Gene Howell

Elva Gene Howell, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and Christian, age 79, of Clay City, Kentucky, went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, March 5, 2023. He was born on January 15, 1944, in Stanton, KY to the late Hursel Howell and the late Laura Evelyn Reed Howell. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Elma Sue Campbell. Gene loved spending as much time with his family and friends as possible. He loved his family fiercely and provided a lifetime of wonderful memories. He loved cooking a big breakfast for his family and taking his famous mashed potatoes and coleslaw to potlucks. He was a member of the West Bend First Church of God for 22 years, where part of that time he served as a Board Member. Before retiring, Gene worked as a Supervisor at Leggett & Platt in Winchester for 40 years. He enjoyed his favorite hobbies of hunting, fishing, horseshoes, cornhole and billiards. Gene is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elnora Bellamy Howell; one son, Stephen (Faye) Howell; three daughters: Lisa (Michael) Spangler, Jeanie (Ty) Napier and LeAnna (Jim) Lunsford; nineteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many friends and relatives. Funeral services officiated by Bro. James Harold Combs and Ray Watson will be conducted on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue in Stanton. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the funeral home as well. Burial will be at Cat Creek Cemetery in Stanton with Ryan Spangler, Jon-Michael McCormick, Nathan Howell, Leighton Jones, Justin Napier, Matthew Howell, Tory Peyton, Ethan Lunsford, Jackson Everman, Zach Lunsford, Justin Olinger and Jeremy Olinger serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Rachael Fraley, Kari Lyons, Lori McMillin, Tiffany Angel, Tasha Santiago, Amber Olinger, Lilly Olinger and the members of West Bend First Church of God. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hearne Funeral Home of Stanton.