Willard Dale Van Sant, 80. of Newton, died Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Valley Vista Nursing and Rehab in Newton.
He was born Sept. 27, 1945, in Newton, son of Wilbur and Jennie (Van Norden) Van Sant.
Throughout the years of his career, he worked many different jobs: Salesman, electrician, handyman, semi-truck driver, and evangelist. Being a Christian, he worshiped at various churches throughout the state of Iowa and Missouri.
Willard enjoyed camping and fishing but was widely known for driving the Jesus bus. He drove it around Newton, but mainly Des Moines. He offered homeless people and those in need a place to sleep, a meal, and a safe place. Willard was one of the sweetest, most selfless human beings many had the chance to meet.
He is survived by two sons, Brandon (Jennifer) Van Sant of Newton and Justin (Kaddy) Van Sant of Kansas City, MO; four granddaughters Jalexis, Zahara, Lenea, and Alexa; grandson Caleb; great-granddaughter Journi; and sister Marcy Morrison.
He was preceded in death by his parents and older sister Barbara Van Wyngarden.
There are no services scheduled at this time. Memorials may be made out to Brandon Van Sant and can be mailed to or dropped off at Pence-Reese Funeral Home, Newton.
