Basil L. Kellis

1937 - 2015

Basil Louis Kellis, 78
WELLS - Basil Louis Kellis, 78, of Wells, died on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer. Kellis was born on May 7, 1937, to Louis and Alexandra Kellis, Greek immigrants who made their home in Pittsfield.
Basil graduated from Maine Central Institute, then enlisted in the Army, where he was stationed in Germany for three years as part of the Third Armored Division. Basil later graduated from the University of Maine with a B.A. in History and Government. After graduating from the University of Maine Law School, he embarked on a 47-year career as a lawyer. His law firm, Willard and Kellis, was located in Sanford. When his father died at an early age, Basil developed a strong work ethic which continued to the end of his life.
Basil was active as an owner and breeder of standardbred horses for more than 35 years. He enjoyed spending his spare time at his horse breeding farm, Lavish Acres. He also took great pleasure in gardening; in recent years, he tended to a thriving patio vegetable garden. Basil enjoyed sharing his culinary creations as he entertained friends and family.
Basil was married to the late Joy Keene Smith for 29 years, and later, to Patricia Genest. He is survived by his two sons, Michael A. Kellis and his wife Carolyn D. of Kennebunk, and Mark A. Kellis and his wife Michele A. of Sanford; three sisters, Louise K. Fidler of Sacramento, Calif., Helen L. Karamanos and her husband, Rev. Philemon N. of Southgate, Mich., and Sophia L. Kellis of Mount Vernon, Wash.; two granddaughters, Rebekah A. and Hannah L. Kellis of Sanford; one grandson, Jordan M. Kellis of Kennebunk; and four nieces, a nephew; four grandnieces, and seven grandnephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, from 4-7 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Rd., Wells. A funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at 1 p.m. at the Historic Meetinghouse, 938 Post Rd. (U.S. Route 1), Wells. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, Wells.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to:
West Kennebunk
United Methodist Church
PO Box 532
West Kennebunk, Maine 04094