Lannis Ross Garnett

Lannis Ross Garnett, age 63, of Owenton, passed away at his home on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Lannis was born in Owenton on December 16, 1959, one of 6 children, to the late William “Spider” and Mary Ola Miller Garnett.  He married the love of his life, Gladys Wilhoite Garnett on December 16, 1977.  Lannis was a longtime public servant who was dedicated to his career and community. He received his EMT certification in 1980 but was CPR and first aid certified prior to that.  In 1981, he and his wife Gladys ran Owen County Life Squad from their home until the service came under the direction of the Owen County Fiscal Court in August 1989. While the Garnetts ran the service, friends and family also became involved and were certified as EMTs. In 1985, Lannis was elected as coroner for the county and held the position until his retirement in 2016. Prior to his retirement, he achieved the Commonwealth’s highest achievement as a Master Coroner. He also served as vice president of the Kentucky Coroner’s Association.

Lannis has been a role model and mentor to many healthcare and allied healthcare professionals, always teaching and setting a good example. He took great pride in the growth and development of the ambulance service. His pride and love extended to all of his co-workers across all of the organizations he worked and volunteered for and loved each of them like family. He worked and assisted on cases locally, regionally, and nationally, giving many families comfort, care, and even closure. Lannis prided himself on his motto, ‘You may only start out as a patient, but at the end of the run, you’re a friend.’

Lannis also served for many years with the Owen County Search and Rescue and Owen County Volunteer Fire Department. He began training search and rescue dogs in the late 80s. He became a certified instructor, training and certifying search and rescue dogs all over the United States. He served on many dog teams over the last several years and was currently the President of the Commonwealth K9 Search and Recovery Team.

He was an original employee of Speedway Motorsports at the KY Speedway from its opening until his passing. He served in many capacities such as medic, maintenance, and security and traveled to sister rack tracks across the United States working events.

Lannis will be missed by his wife Gladys Garnett; his daughter, Summer Gail Garnett; his siblings, Teresa (Larry Dale) Perry of Owenton, Pam (Mike) Pavone of Owenton, Vickie (Johnny) Thomas of Corydon, IN, Kim (Allison) Garnett-Medley of Lexington, and Mark (Stephanie) Garnett of Owenton; nieces, Kelley Thomas, Shadoe (Clint) Aldridge, Jade, Emerald, and Sage Garnett; nephews, Adam (Bridget) Perry, Andrew (Tiffany) Perry, Stone and Steel Garnett; eight great nieces; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

New Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements. Family will receive friends at the Main Street location on Sunday, August 20, 2023, from 4 - 8 pm.  Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 2 pm, with visitation after 10 am. Burial will be in the Owenton Cemetery with Bro. Johnny Thomas and Bro. David “Milkweed” officiating.  Memorial contributions in Lannis’ memory may be made to either Commonwealth K9 Search & Recovery Team or Owen County Search & Rescue.