Obituary of Leonard Morton Wills

Leonard Morton Wills, 92, of Lancaster, Kentucky, departed this life on January 15, 2025 at UK's Bluegrass Hospice Care. Born July 4, 1932, he was the son of the late Cecil Clay and Ada Whitaker Wills of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Wilma Jean Sexton Wills; a daughter, Lenora Jean Wills (Kelly Davis) Costanzo of Richmond, Kentucky; a son, Philip Andrew (Cynthia) Wills of Nashville, Tennessee; and a son Robert Scott (Nedra) Wills, of Lexington, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by a son, David Lloyd (Anne) Wills of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, and two great- granddaughters, Ashley Nicole Groves and Naomi Grace Costanzo. He was the proud grandfather to: Amy Elizabeth (David Donahue) Wills Wilson; Tiffany Nicole (Ashley) Wills Groves; Michael Anthony (Jenn) Costanzo; Joseph Alan (Kat) Costanzo; Matthew Thomas (Amiee) Wills; Lisa Marie (Paul) Costanzo Zembrodt; Whitney Leigh (Michael) Wills Richardson; Abby Rachelle (Daniel) Wills Thompson; Daniel Alexander (Rebecca) Costanzo; Jennifer Lynn (Chris) Costanzo Upchurch; Shelby Alane (Kyle) Wills Jarema; Timothy James (Shelby) Wills; and Jessica Lynn Wills. He was greatly beloved to his 21 great-grandchildren. He is survived by three siblings Charles Henry (Marleen) Wills of Mt. Sterling; Anna Ruth (Earl Newkirk and Don Wills) Wills, of Mt. Sterling; and John Knox (Patricia) Wills, of Owingsville, KY; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Leonard was born and reared in Montgomery County, Kentucky, and always declared himself a proud native of Montgomery County. He was a graduate of Camargo High School, where he excelled in the marching band, FFA, and served as treasurer of his senior class. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1953 with a degree in Agriculture. He fulfilled his ROTC commitment by serving in the United States Air Force, which became his lifelong career. He retired from active service in 1974, having reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served as an air traffic controller, flight instructor, Forward Air Controller and navigator in the Air Force. After his service completion, he graduated with his master’s degree from Central Michigan in 1974 with a degree in Business. He worked for several years as human resources director at RCA, and later in that same capacity at Cardinal Hill Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ where he lovingly served in many different capacities as the need arose. Leonard will be remembered for his kindness, his sense of humor, and his ready willingness to help his fellow man. Funeral services will be held 1 PM, Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Ransdell Funeral Chapel, Harrodsburg, KY, with Rich Mardis officiating. Visitation will be 11 AM until 1 PM, Friday. Burial with full military honors will follow at 2:30 PM, Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Pallbearers include: Matthew and Timothy Wills, Michael, Joseph, and Daniel Costanzo, Ashley and Hunter Groves and Michael Richardson. Honorary bearers include: Amy Wilson, Tiffany Groves, Lisa Zembrodt, Whitney Richardson, Abby Thompson, Jennifer Upchurch, Shelby Jarema, and Jessica Wills. Memorials are suggested to a charity of one’s choice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family on Leonard’s Tribute Wall at www.ransdellfuneralchapel.com.