John “Steve” Wills

May 29, 1948 - July 31, 2025

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John "Steve" Wills, 77, of Taylor Mill, KY, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025. He was a 1966 graduate of Covington Holmes High School in Covington, KY, and a member of Latonia Christian Church in Latonia, KY. Steve received his Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Kentucky University and went on to earn his Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, obtaining the rank of Spec 5. Steve served on the Covington Police Force for 30 years, retiring as Captain. During his time on the Covington Police Force, Steve was Commander of the Covington S.W.A.T. Team, served for many years on the D Team Undercover Group and was also the Chief of Detectives. He was a member of the American Legion Post #203, V.F.W. Marshall Schildmeyer Post # 6095, Golden Rule Masonic Lodge #345 and a member of Covington F.O.P. #1. Steve was preceded in death by his parents: John & Rosalyn Wills and sister: Robin (living partner: Boo Wendling) Wills. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years: Linda Smith Wills; children: Stephanie (Chester) Humphrey and Alison (Steven) Bohman; siblings: Chuck (Harriet) Wills, Reba (late: Tom) Wheatley and Glenda (Doug) Christensen; grandchildren: Courtney (Will Fields) Jett, Anthony (Natasha) Jett, Ian (Lauren) Bohman, Owen (Regan) Bohman, Lexie Humphrey and Annie Bohman; 6 beautiful great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place on Monday, August 4, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Latonia Christian Church, 3900 Decoursey Avenue, Latonia, KY 41015. Funeral Services for Steve will take place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Latonia Christian Church, 3900 Decoursey Avenue, Latonia, KY 41015. Interment and Honor Guard Services will follow at 12:00 PM (Noon) at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North, 205 Eibeck Lane, Williamstown, KY 41097. Connley Brothers Funeral Home, Covington (Latonia), KY 41015 is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Latonia Christian Church, 3900 Decoursey Avenue, Latonia, KY 41015. Online condolences may be expressed on Facebook or at www.connleybrothersfuneralhome.com

Condolences

Phil Wells - Aug 2, 2025
My thoughts and condolences go out to the Wills family. I have two connections to Steve. One is I went to 10th district grade school and was in the same class with Reba. Because of our last names, and I suppose we were seated alphabetically, Reba and I were always near each other. Second, one night at Lloyd's Roller Rink, I somehow became the focus of some older boys. Steve saw what was happening, and he knew me just enough and that I was a Latonia kid, he made sure I got home safe. I have forgotten many people and things that have happened in my life, but Steve and how he helped me is a testament to the type person he was, even as a teenager. Some things you never forget.
Thomas Fromme - Aug 2, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of your losses. I had the honor to know and work with Steve for many, many years. Although we were in different Departments, we were friends and shared common interests. I was pleased to learn later that my son had the good fortune to be his neighbor. May God Bless him and his family!
Margie Cross - Aug 1, 2025
Linda, Stephanie, Allison and family, so very sad to hear of Steve's passing, we are very fond of all of you, and have many great memories of our times together. Prayers to help you thru this difficult time. Love, Pat and Margie
Gary & Hazel Watkins - Aug 1, 2025
Our heartfelt sympathy to Steve’s family. May you feel God’s peace during this very difficult time. God bless each of you.

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