John David Santen

PARIS - John David Santen, 62, of Midway, died Sep 9, 2008, after a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer. He loved horses, bird dogs, cattle roundups and songs around the campfire. He spent his life working with thoroughbreds, as a trainer, owner, and breeder. Santen graduated from Paris (KY) High School and attended the University of Kentucky. An accomplished marksman, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and was stationed at Edgewood Arsenal near Baltimore, MD. He was devoted to family, friends and his farm, Waterwild. Memberships included the Thoroughbred Club of America and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, and the Keeneland Association. He was preceded in death by his father, John B. Santen, and sister, Audrey Santen MacDonald. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Elizabeth (Liz) Steger Santen, his mother, Gladys Rion Santen, Paris; his sisters Lynn Santen Lewis, Lexington; and Joan Santen Luff, Crete, Nebraska; and three children, William Chenault Santen, Lexington; Julia Bogie Santen, Charleston, SC; John David Santen, Jr, Portland, OR; daughter-in-law Michaela Cotter Santen, grandchildren Manfred (Manny) Ray Santen, Scout Elizabeth Johanna Santen and Dashiell Cotter Santen, Portland, OR. Visitation will be Fri, Sep 12, 9-11am at First Christian Church in Paris. A memorial service will be held at 11am, followed by a 12:30pm graveside service at the Lexington Cemetery. The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Bluegrass and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope. www.hinton-turnerfuneralhome.com