Denton Willis

A limb has fallen from the Willis family tree.  Denton Willis, 88, widower of Darlene Welch Willis since 2013, left his earthly home on Wednesday, Jan 2, 2019.  He was a native of Jessamine County born March 19, 1930, and one of four children of the late Blaine and Iona Wiley Willis.  Denton was a retired employee of Overbrook Farm where he held many positions caring for the animals that he loved so dearly.  He had a way with horses and loved to ride especially enjoyed to take them for a gallop around the race track.  In 1981, he was recognized as Thoroughbred Farm Manager.  He has also been called a walking historian since he always could remember names and relations of people and places in Jessamine County.  His family described him as a simple man one who spoke when it was important for you to listen.    He leaves his legacy with sons Dwight Willis, wife Jo, Tommy Willis, Regina, and daughter Kathy Cobb, grandchildren Whitney Cobb, Tyler Dicken, husband Josh, Amy Willis, Tucker Willis, wife Ashley, and Blaine Willis, great grandchildren Hunter Loss, McKenzie ad Madison Long, Grant, Griffin, Royse Ellen, and Will Conley Dicken, John Tucker “JT” and Curry Rose Willis.  He will be fondly remembered by his sister Carolyn Ward, his brother-in-law Tommy Welch, wife Teresa, and sister-in-law Mattie Jane Stinnett as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.  He was preceded in death by brothers Huston and Wallace Willis.  A Remembrance Service will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, Jan. 7, at Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home.  He will be laid to rest beside his wife following the service in Maple Grove Cemetery.  Honoring him as pallbearers will be Tucker and Blaine Willis, Hunter Loss, Tommy Welch, Poochie Burton, and Roy Williams.  Honorary Bearers will be his friends from Hardees and McDonalds.  The family will greet friends on Sunday, Jan. 6, beginning at 1:00 PM and ending at 5:00 PM at the funeral home.  “May he enjoy riding all the great trails of heaven and caring for the beautiful horses that went before him”.  Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home was honored that Denton was a former employee and we enjoyed all the  stories he loved to tell.