Willie Gene Rose

Bro. Willie Gene Rose Sr. of Burkesville, Kentucky passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at NHC Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Glasgow, Kentucky, having attained the age of 86 years, 6 months, and 20 days. He was born on Saturday, September 9, 1939, in Pikeville, Kentucky, the son of Jesse Spears and Shellie Faye Wilson. He was of a strong Christian faith and faithfully served as a pastor at Lighthouse Ministries Church in Lewisville, Indiana. He dedicated many years of his life working as a machinist with Chrysler Automotive, where he was known for his skill and strong work ethic. In his spare time, Willie found great joy in gardening and working in his yard. He loved to fish and cherished the simple pleasures of life, especially sitting on the porch with Sue, drinking coffee, and watching the cars go by. He will be remembered as a man of faith, devotion, and quiet contentment who found happiness in the everyday moments.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Pierce; second wife, Connie Rose; sons, Ronnie Bell, Jr. Rose; brother, Harold Rose; daughter in law, Wanda Rose; and grandson, Levi David Rose. 
He is survived by his wife Sue (Richards) Rose, whom he wed on Wednesday April 24, 2013; children, Joyce Rose Stevens (& Ferg) of Lewisville, Indiana, Sheila Rose Simpson (& David) of Rushville, Indiana, David Rose (& Amy) of Lewisville, Indiana; step-children, Angela Richards Groce (& Gary) of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Nickie Richards (& Jennifer) of Burkesville, Kentucky, Gary Williams (& Sheri) of Carthage, Indiana, Kim Roberts (& Lee) of Warringthon, Indiana; sisters, Sue Thrasher of Burkesville, Kentucky, Brenda Lester of Grundy, Virgina; brothers, Ronnie Rose of Dunrith, Indiana, Carl Breeding of New Castle, Indiana, Gary Rose of Spiceland, Indiana; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.    
The funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday April 1, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. CST in The Memory Chapel of Norris-New Funeral Home in Burkesville, Kentucky with Bro. Nickie Richards officiating. An additional funeral service will be conducted on Friday April 3, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. EST in the chapel of Hinsey-Brown Funeral Home; 3406 South Memorial Drive, in New Castle, Indiana with Bro. Nickie Richards officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday April 3, 2026 beginning at 10:00 A.M. EST until the funeral hour at 4:00 P.M. EST. Burial will be on Monday April 6, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. EST in the Park Cemetery in Greenfield, Indiana.

Norris New Funeral home is honored to be in charge of local arrangements. 

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