Bill Dennis

William Eugene “Bill”, “Sonny” (within the immediate family) Dennis died on January 5, 2015 at 90 years of age. Bill was born April 21, 1924 in Anthony to Paul Henry Dennis and Eugenia Charlotte Smith Dennis. Named after both his grandfathers, Bill was always proud of the fact he shared a birthday with naturalist John Muir.

After graduating from Wellington High School in 1942, Bill attended Kansas State University as a freshman, was inducted into the United States Army in 1942, and awarded an Honorable Discharge in 1943. 

Upon returning from the military, he attended, for a short period of time, the University of Kansas.  He was well educated in animal husbandry and specialized in dairy herd management. After marrying Maxine Hilt in February, 1946, he developed a successful reputation for herd management and worked in that field in several different states including Missouri, Vermont, Florida and Oklahoma. In 1956, he settled in Wellington with his wife and three young sons and began a long and stable career with Welco, Inc. from which he retired in 1988.

Over the years Bill was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. He spent much time duck hunting, fishing, gardening, composting, and working to conserve natural resources. He was an active member and officer of the RC&D Chapter of Sumner County. He also was instrumental in helping promote and establish the recycling program in Wellington.

During the past two years his time was spent at the Colorado State Veterans Center – Homelake in Monte Vista, Colorado near family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine, son Patrick Dennis and sister, Virginia Haggard. He is survived by six siblings, Cordelia Liggett, Kendall Dennis, Paul Dennis (Jo), David Dennis (Mary Lynn), Betty Womack (Maurice), and Steve Dennis. Bill’s surviving children include Jerry and his wife Krystal Dennis, Douglas Dennis Sr., and daughter- in- law Aletha Dennis. He left a beautiful legacy for his eight grandchildren, Renee Steel, Kimberley Witt, Trevor Dennis, Adrian Walck, Arrin Dennis, Lori Dennis, Jessica Pressler, Douglas Dennis Jr., and 14 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. at the Shelley Family Funeral Home in Wellington, Kansas on May 23, 2015. Inurnment will be at the Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington. Shelley Family Funeral Home of Wellington is in charge of arrangements. For further information visit www.shelleyfamilyfh.com