Beech Tree News Network

Donald Rufus Phelps, 84 of Morgantown, Ky. passed away on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the Morgantown Care and Rehab Center. He was born in Butler Co., Ky. on June 5, 1934 to the late Julian E. and Ruth Haycraft Phelps and grandson of  the late Grant & Charity Phelps. He was an Army Ammunition Specialist, an Ammo Corporal in charge of the 280MM gun in Okinawa Japan.  He was a retired carpenter and Associate at Smith Funeral Home for many years. He was a member of Salem Baptist Church and regularly attended Belmont Baptist Church and the AmVets Post #117, he was also a member of the Carpenters Union and taught carpentry school in Bowling Green.  He enjoyed history, reading, politics and telling stories over a good cup of coffee. Donald loved his wife and family.  He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Rufard, Randell and Wandell Phelps; sister Virginia Hatcher and infant sister Owenia; brothers in law Carl J. Hatcher and Tommy Sweat. 

Donald is survived by his wife of 61 years Lavone Embry Phelps of Morgantown; two sons Donald Brente Phelps (Alicia) of Morgantown and Timothy Wayne Phelps (Margaret) of Morgantown; daughter Julia Ranee’ Holman of Bowling Green; six grandchildren Jillian Champion (Clay) of Louisville, Lora Danielle Phelps of Morgantown, David Adam Phelps of Louisville, Shelley Ann Coats (Tyler) Dunedin, Fl., Jessilyn Laitney Huguenot Morgantown, Jackson Christopher Holman of Bowling Green, Larry Dale West (Tiffany) of Louisville, Christopher Ryan West (Becky) of Morgantown; sister Geneva Sweat of Georgia; four great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

 Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 23 at 1pm with Bro. Gary Embry officiating.  Burial will be in the Chapel Union Cemetery where Military Honors will be presented byAmVets Post #117.  Visitation will be on Monday, October 22 from 4-8pm and Tuesday from 8am until time of service at Smith Funeral Home.

Visit our website www.smithfuneralhomeky.com to share any condolences, memories or photos of Donald or light a memorial candle