Gene Autry Simpkins

Gene Autry Simpkins, 76, passed away on October 9, 2017 in Huntington, WV. He was born on July 29, 1941 to the late Elsie Baker. Gene was a member of the Wayne Co. Coon Club. He leaves behind to mourn his loss, Tonya Sowder who he took in at a young age and became her hero, allowing her to be a kid she longed to be as a child, even though Gene was not her biological father, he was her father at heart. Thank you to the best dad, grandpa and great-grandpa we could have ever asked for in our lives. Also left behind are his grandchildren; Justin Lee Carter, Alicia Meece, Molly Sowder (Drew Maxey), Emily Sowder, Ryan Sowder, great- grandchildren; Braxton Carter, Levi Rowe, Special friends, Nancy Janey, Greg Sowder and Mike Ward. A host of family and friends. A visitation will be held Thursday, Oct. 12 at 12:30 noon at Ceredo-Kenova Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Spring Valley Memory Gardens. Online condolences may be expressed to family below.