Homer Eugene “Gene” Hartsell,
Feb 16th, 1935 - Apr 10th, 2020- Birth Date: Feb 16, 1935
- Death Date: Apr 10, 2020
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Biography: Homer Eugene Hartsell, “Gene” transitioned to his final duty position on Friday, April 10, 2020 after a long fought battle with complications from heart and kidney disease. Many did not know he was struggling, as in the time of Covid-19, he was not allowed visitors. His wife, Peggy, would get to visit with him alone at rehab and would have to relay his condition to their daughter, Gina. Always one to keep on pushing forward, Gene knew that this was a long struggle at the end of his life, but he never seemed to let it get to him. He had a smile on his face and would say, “Hey, Darling, how’s it going?” even in the worst of it. Gene was a chameleon of sorts, always blending in and performing well. He joined the Army at age 16, and was shipped out to Korea. Upon finding out his age, they returned him home. At 17 he joined the Air Force, and retired after having spent 21 years in active duty, retiring as a Master Sargent. He was shot down during one of his tours of Vietnam. He was stationed in many different areas. His last three years in the Air Force he served on the Inspector General’s Team inspecting Air Force hospitals, which led him to his next career as an investigator for Medicare/Medicaid fraud with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. He then became the Executive Secretary of the Arkansas Medical Foundation. He became a utilization review consultant with the American Board of Quality of Review Physicians. He retired from that career and then did various other things, working until this year. He could last be seen working at Walgreens. He was happy to serve his America in any capacity he could. Gene was a 32nd Degree Free Mason and also a Shriner. Always a patriot, Gene kept up with all things political. He was a gentleman to the end, and never was there a door that had to be opened when you were with him. He was a voracious reader and could give you the preview to just about any current book you might want to read.
Gene was born February 16, 1935, at Brinkley, Arkansas to Ora Lee Gilliam and Elbert Bernard Hartsell. He had one sister who preceded him in death, Laura Lee Von Kanel. Left to mourn his loss are his wife Peggy Odum Hartsell and their daughter Gina Hartsell, and two aunts, Mary and Louise. His Welsh Corgis, Dawson, Millie, and Adele, will miss him dearly. Other survivors include sister in law and brother in law Dr. Linda and Dr. Robert Bell of Russellville, nieces and nephews Jerra Lee, Darrell Odum, Audrey Aikman, Ashley Bell, Allynson Dale, Jim Von Kanel, Jr., and Kay Strickland, and their spouses.
He was a member of St. Andrews Anglican Church. Memorials can be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation and to Wreaths Across America. A private graveside service at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery will be held at a later date.
I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. I worked with him few years and find out he is a wonderful man and husband. I was lucky to know him and he will be remembered by so many. Sincere condolences.
You will feel like part of who you are is missing. God bless you and Gina as you comfort one another and do all you can to keep his memory alive. I pray that you see God's provisions in many unexpected ways.
He will be missed by many .
Bless you in this trying time .
Remember Gene would not want to cause you any pain so be strong - you had a wonderful man to remember.
For some moments of life there are no words of consolation to alleviate his grief, he knows that he is counting on me, because Mr. Gene was an important person to me, I am so sorry for his loss, I raise my prayers so that he will soon find consolation, I pray for his eternal Rest, my deepest condolences. I love her very much and I send her a big hug
Pam Lewis