Willis James Dennis, 80, of Kokomo, Indiana went to be with the Lord at 7:11 am on Thursday, September 5, 2024, after receiving exceptional and loving care from the staff at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo.
He was born in Dunlap, TN, on February 13, 1944, the son of the late James Henry Dennis and Edith Arzella (Payne) Dennis Buchanon. On December 2, 1961, he married Betty Sue Webb, who preceded him in death on June 13, 2016.
Willis spent most of his working career at Continental Steel in the wire mill and the rod shed. After the Steel Mill closed down, he began working as an independent over the road truck driver. He and his wife, Betty, owned and operated Blue Angel Trucking and Double D Trucking, until his retirement in the late 1990’s. He earned multiple accreditations and recognitions during his career. Willis was an ambitious, friendly, and creative man, as well as a very talented musician and singer. In the late 1970’s Willis and Betty, along with a brother (Firest Dennis) and a very talented drummer named Darrell Colburn, established a Country Western/Soft Rock band named The Vendells. They performed most of their concerts in Central Indiana and enjoyed a devoted base of fans and friends who followed them from town to town, whenever they performed.
Willis is survived by his son, Rick (Anola) Dennis; grandsons, Grahm (Sarah) Dennis, Will (Drew) Dennis, Luke Dennis; great-grandchildren, Dylan Dennis, Bentley Dennis, Addy Jo Dennis, Rowan Dennis, Eden Dennis; brother, Ron (Patty) Dennis; half-brother, Billy Buchanon; in-laws, Patty and Chuck Eder, Joyce Dennis, Larry Nichols; and numerous special nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews. Willis also enjoyed many special family memories with his cousins from Dunlap, TN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, siblings, Homie (Dorothy) Dennis, Firest Dennis, Arvella “Jean” Nichols; and his half-brother, Ricky Buchanon.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am to 1 pm Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Church of God of the Union Assembly, 538 E. 400 S., Kokomo, IN 46902.
Funeral Services will begin at 1 pm on Friday, at the church with Pastor Robbie Bumgardner and Pastor Rick Dennis officiating.
A link will be available at the bottom of Willis’ obituary page at 1 pm on Friday to view the funeral service, as it will be livestreamed.
Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in Willis’ memory to the Kokomo Rescue Mission or the Church of God of the Union Assembly.
The family would also like to acknowledge, with much appreciation, the Young America Volunteer Fire Department and the Ascension of Kokomo EMT Response Teams for their exceptional concern and care.
Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be made online at www.stoutandson.com.
