Kenneth Eugene Willis

Kenneth Eugene Willis, 84, of Jefferson City, passed away at his home on Friday, May 29, 2026 with his wife, Annie, and his beloved dogs, Scooby and Cecilia by his side.

He was born in Bakersfield, CA on December 4, 1941 to the late Eugene Joseph Willis and Louella Agnes Fisher.  Ken proudly served in the U.S. Army for twenty years, including two tours of combat duty in Vietnam.  He worked in food service directing cooks preparing meals for thousands of service men and women.  After 20 years of service, Ken retired from the military at the rank of E7 sergeant.  Learning many culinary ideas in the Army, Ken mastered the skills of baking and pastry. After moving to the Lake area, Ken worked as the head Pastry Chef at Lodge of the Four Seasons. From delicate sugar figurines to made-from-scratch pastries considered works of art, Ken’s creations won many ribbons and medals at food competitions and his recipes delighted visitors.  In 1998, Ken began cooking at the Jefferson City Country Club until retiring in 2014.

Ken was always an outdoorsman. Growing up on the beach in California, he spent his early days playing in tide pools and deep sea fishing. He was a championship archer while overseas. He was a bear hunting guide in West Virginia. Later in life, he enjoyed a hobby farm including sheep, mini horses, chickens, and pigs. He loved taking his dogs on walks on the farm and letting them play in the pool.

Without any formal training, Ken was a master woodworker, able to envision projects without a single drawing, from small decor to entire decks.  Many days, you could find him in his workshop designing with intricate precision making sure to “measure twice-cut once.” He was a man of many talents.

Survivors include his second wife, Annie Willis of Jefferson City, MO; son, Ken Willis of South Carolina; daughters, Kim McPherson of Mississippi and Lily (C.J.) Kennedy of Peculiar, MO; his first wife, Judy Carol Willis, of Camdenton, Missouri, eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and sister, Sandy Davis of Idaho.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Krista Brown and sister,  Patty Cress.

Private family services will be held.  Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City is assisting our family