Berea, Kentucky - Willis Gene Vogel, 95, of Berea, widower of Norma G. Vogel, died April 25 at the UK Chandler

Medical Center.

A native of Seward, Nebraska, he was born November 27, 1930 to the late Reuben O. and

Nellie O. Vogel. He was preceded in death by a sister and a brother.

Survivors include four sons, Ronald (Judy) of Omaha, NE, Martin (Nancy) of San Diego, CA.,

Carl (Wendy) of Kingsport, TN, and Chris of Berea, KY; four grandchildren, James (Preeti) Vogel,

Eric Vogel, Marlee (Aaron) Joseph, and Benson Vogel; two step grandchildren; seven step great

grandchildren, and four step great great grandchildren.

Willis earned a bachelors degree in Agriculture from the University of Nebraska and a masters

degree in Range Management from Montana State University. He worked as a Range

Conservationist for the USDA Soil Conservation Service in Idaho, then in Range Management

research for the USDA Forest Service in Missouri. Lastly, he moved to Berea, KY where for 23

years he did research on the revegetation of coal surface mines in the Appalachian coal fields.

He has over 35 research publications, including two manuals on the revegetation of coal surface

mines.

Willis was an avid wood worker. He was a charter member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church in

Richmond, KY, for which he designed and/or built several pieces of church furniture.

A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 1285 Barnes Mill Road in

Richmond, KY, on Saturday, May 2 at 2 pm, with the Rev. Mary Metzger officiating. Expressions

of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 1285 Barnes

Mill Rd., Richmond, KY 40475, or the Compassionate Care Center, 350 Isaacs Lane #350,

Richmond, KY 40475.

Davis and Powell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

www.davisandpowellfuneralhome.com.