Charles D. Willett Sr., 87, Bardstown
Charles D. Willett Sr., 87, of Bardstown, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at Flaget Memorial Hospital in Bardstown. He was a life-long resident of Bardstown, one of the nine children born to Lambert and Mary Thompson Willett. He was married for 62 years to the former Mary Carlile Barber and was the father of eight children.
He was born on Dec. 3, 1924. He was educated at Bethlehem Academy and St. Joseph Preparatory School, and was a proud alumnus of these institutions during his entire life. A talented athlete, he played football and basketball at St. Joe Prep. He was active in the St. Joe Prep Alumni and was named to the St. Joe Prep Hall of Fame. During World War II, he was a participant in the V-12 Navy Training program, and attended Berea College, Central Michigan University, the University of Michigan and graduated from Villa Nova University. He was a member of the Central Michigan University football team and played quarterback. He was commissioned an officer shortly after the end of World War II, transferred to the Naval Reserve and returned to Bardstown. Two of his sons, Gerard Jude “Jerry” Willett and Charles D. “Sam” Willett, Jr. followed their father into the Navy and graduated from theUnited StatesNavalAcademy.
He married Mary Carlile Barber on June 28, 1949. He worked for a short time in the farming business but soon became a wholesale liquor dealer and established Kentucky Liquor and Wine Co., which he owned and operated for several years before merging with the House of Nelson, and thereafter with the Kentucky Wine & Spirits Company. One of the main products he distributed was “Old Bardstown” the bourbon produced by his brothers and father at the Willett Distilling Company of Bardstown.
He retired at age 70 after serving as President of Kentucky Wine and Spirits. He was active in the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America and served on their national board. He Willett also served on the Bardstown Planning and Zoning Board and was past president of My Old Kentucky Home Country Club and chair of the Bourbon Open. He was a life-long member ofSt. Joseph’s Parish where he served on Parish Council and PTA board. He was an active supporter of Bethlehem High School and St. Joseph Elementary School. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Quarterback Club where he was known for his expertise in the football picks and his fondness for the Fighting Irish of the University of Notre Dame. Of his many accomplishments, he was proudest of his wife and family, who wholeheartedly loved him in return.
He was preceded in death by his five brothers, Thompson Willett, John Willett, Norman Willett, Bill Willett, and Paul Willett; and sister, Mary Catherine Willett.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Carlile Willett of Bardstown; eight children, Prudence (Marc) Kramer of St. Louis, Mo., Harriet (Bill) Hancock of Cincinnati, Mary Catherine (Jack) Turcotte of St. Louis, Mo., Gerard J. (Ellen) Willett of Cincinnati, Cecilia Hansell of Louisville, Charles David “Sam” (Kathy) Willett Jr. of Annapolis, Maryland, Alex Willett and George E. (Renee) Willett, both of Louisville; a brother, Robert Willett; a sister, Patricia Willett Jemley; 14 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and many several nieces and nephews.
The funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, with burial inSt. JosephCemetery. The Rev. Bill Hammer will officiate.
Visitation is 4 – 8 p.m. Friday at Barlow Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held Friday evening.
Memorial contributions may go to Bethlehem High School, St. Joseph Parish, or St. JosephElementary School.
Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please visit http://www.barlowfh.com/.
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