Reverend Gene Lee Ansell , age 83 of Lafayette, IN passed away peacefully on October 24, 2022 at Bickford Memory Care surrounded by his loved ones.

Gene was born in Detroit, MI, on January 7, 1939, son of the late Everette and Grace Ansell. As a child, Gene had very fond memories of growing up on a farm in Toulon, IL. Gene graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958, where he developed his lifelong love for lifting weights and participating in sports.

Gene went on to join the US Army from 1958-1964. Gene's service in the 101st Airborne Division during the Berlin Crisis in Germany instilled in him a lifelong respect for the United States Military. He always said there's no other experience which could replace the camaraderie he felt and the discipline he learned during this time.

Following his service in the Army, Gene attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, MN, earning a degree in Theology. In 1966, he moved to Canada to take a position at Eaton's Department store to run the Accounts Payable division. He also attended United College Seminary in Winnipeg to earn a degree in Divinity. Gene began his career in the ministry serving for the Canada Pentecostal Assembly of God. He then served at Charleswood Temple, where the attendance grew from 37 to 700+ during his ministry. He went on to serve at churches throughout the US and Canada to carry the word of the gospel prior to moving to Lafayette in 1982. During this time, Gene served at Miracle Bethel Church and completed his graduate work for the Methodist Church at the Christian Theological Seminary. As a Methodist minister, he served at the Methodist churches in Brookston UMC, Wolcott UMC, Stidham UMC, and Atwood UMC, where he retired as a full-time minister. Gene completed his ministry at Armstrong Chapel UMC from 2008-2019.

Throughout his life he loved spending time with his friends and talking to anyone who would listen. He enjoyed playing golf, hunting, fishing, and watching college sports.  He liked to encourage people to "be themselves" and to serve others by practicing the gifts given to them by God. The care team at Bickford Memory Care showed Gene love and compassion to the end for which Susie is forever grateful.

Gene is survived by his loving partner, Susie Wright Burton. He was preceded in his death by his sister, Joan Ward (David), and his infant brother, Everette Ansell Jr.

The Memorial Service will be held at Armstrong Chapel UMC, 7720 N. Armstrong Chapel Rd., West Lafayette, IN 47906, on Tuesday, November 1 at 2:00 PM, with Pastor Roger Andrew McDaniel officiating. A graveside service will follow at Armstrong Chapel Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Armstrong Chapel UMC. Shoemaker Funeral Home, Otterbein is assisting Gene's family. Visit www.shoemakerfh.com or Shoemaker Funeral Home- Otterbein, Indiana Facebook page to leave any condolences or to share a memory or photo of Gene.