Willie Gene Rose, Sr.

Bro. Willie Gene Rose Sr. of Burkesville, Kentucky and formerly of New Castle passed away 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 Saturday, September 9, 1939, in Pineville, 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 Rose, Jr; brother, Harold Rose; daughter-in-law, Wanda Rose; and grandson, Levi David Rose.

He is survived by his wife Sue (Richards) Rose, whom he married on Wednesday April 24, 2013; children, Joyce Rose (Ferg) Stevens of Lewisville, Indiana, Sheila (David) Rose Simpson of Rushville, Indiana, David (Amy) Rose of Lewisville, Indiana; step-children, Angela Richards (Gary) Groce of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Nickie (Jennifer) Richards of Burkesville, Kentucky, Gary (Sheri) Williams of Carthage, Indiana, Kim (Lee) Roberts of Warrington, Indiana; sisters, Sue Thrasher of Burkesville, Kentucky, Brenda Lester of Grundy, Virgina; brothers, Ronnie Rose of Dunreith, 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.

A funeral service will be conducted on Friday April 3, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Bro. Nickie Richards officiating. Visitation will be on Friday April 3, 2026 beginning at 10:00 A.M. until the funeral hour at 4:00 P.M. Burial will be on Monday April 6, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at Park Cemetery in Greenfield, Indiana. You may express condolences or share memories of Willie at www.hinsey-brown.com.