Obituaries

Dennis Wayne Watson was born in Ft. Thomas, KY, on September 15, 1956, to the late Doyle Watson and Viola (Howell) Winford. Dennis had a lifelong love of baseball, which began in childhood. He was an avid Reds fan and rarely missed the chance to listen to a game on his AM headset. During football season, he could always be found in his Bengals gear, loudly cheering on his favorite team. Dennis proudly and honorably served in the U.S. Navy, where he affectionately earned the nickname “Doc.” He later retired from the City of Bellevue’s Public Works Department, where he took great pride in maintaining the city’s parks and making them beautiful for all to enjoy. Though proud of his career, he considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment. Dennis is survived and deeply missed by his loving wife of 39 years, Micki; his beloved mother-in-law, Dora Koeninger; his cherished daughters and the sons he gained through their marriages, Jamie and Dave Wayman, Stacey and Joey Crose, and Nicole and Josh Hitt. The joys of his life were his grandchildren: Tyler Sexton, Austin Hitt (fiancée Taylor Evans), Senior Airman Cody Crose, Kaylee Hitt, Dawson Gauspohl, Carley Crose, JD Hitt, and Logan Gauspohl. He was also blessed with bonus grandchildren: Heather (Paul) Hoeh, Kristen (Connor) Bleser, and Armina Wayman. Dennis cherished all of his nieces and nephews, each holding a special place in his heart, in particular Sam and Zak. He is also survived by his extended family, including his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Kathy Watson, Debbie and Cliff Wilkin, Mark and Sheri Koeninger, and Bill and Althea Koeninger. He was preceded in death by his brother, Stan D. Watson. Dennis will be remembered by those who loved him for his constant encouragement and for being his family’s greatest cheerleader. He never missed an opportunity to express his love, and he leaves behind the comfort of knowing no words were left unsaid. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 4th at Cooper Funeral Home from 2pm-4pm. Then Mass will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church; 4800 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, Ky 41076 at 5pm. Burial will be private to the family. Memorials are suggested to Paralyzed Veterans. Paralyzed Veterans of America. P.O. Box 758589, Opeka, KS 66675-8589.