Kevin David Willis

1956 - 2025

Kevin David Willis
08/09/1956 - 07/04/2025
Kevin David Willis, known to his rowdy Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo friends as "Preacher" and to thousands in the oil and gas business around the world as "Mr. Kevin," died unexpectedly on July 4th in the River Oaks home he shared with his love, Deborah Touchy. Although he was an intrepid traveler, Kevin was a life-long tried and true Houstonian. He graduated from Spring Woods High School class of 1974 and went on to earn a degree in advertising from The University of Texas in 1978, both accomplished alongside a busy schedule of theater club, surfing in Galveston, floating in Barton Springs, and menacing the people of Austin with his ragamuffin friends. Kevin had a successful career first in advertising, then opening and owning Downing Street Pub in 1994, and later as a Certified HSE Professional in the oil and gas industry. He loved nothing more than being with his friends and the people he loved-you could find him on a karaoke mic or as chef du jour on the Salt Grass Trail. Kevin is survived by his "liberal lawyer" daughter, Gracie Willis; his siblings Cylette Willis-Sass (Ronald L. Sass, dec.), Colin Willis (Hazel Thornton), and Perry Willis (Erin Willis); his nephews and niece Travis, Bryant, and Will Chambers; and Griffin and Daphne Willis; and his beloved mother Pat Miller of Houston, TX. He is also survived by Carlton and Lane Klein, daughter and son-in-law to Ms. Touchy, who he loved like they were his own. Friends and family are invited to services on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston, TX; visitation at 9:30 a.m., liturgy at 10:30 a.m., and a coffee hour to follow at 11:30 a.m. next door at Martel Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any generosity be directed in his memory to the Rancher's Ride supporting children's education and well-being.