Bernard "Gene" Atwell

Bernard Eugene “Gene” Atwell, 75, of Strasburg, VA, passed away Sunday March 10, 2024, in Strasburg.

Gene was born March 9, 1949, in Tazewell, VA, a son of the late John E. and Cynthia Bradley Atwell.  Gene served our country in the U.S. Army with two tours in Vietnam as Specialist 4, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, the “Big Red” 1st Infantry Division, 1967-1970.  Gene was a member of the Shenandoah American Legion Post 77, Strasburg, VA, Lebanon Lutheran Church, and the Lebanon Church North Shenandoah Ruritan Club.  He joined the Ruritans in 2005, and was an active member, helping with the annual auction, mowing grass for the community center, and helping his neighbors as part of his community service.  Gene was well known in his neighborhood, always there to grade our rural lane, to plow snow for his neighbors and sometimes just showing up to mow or visit. He never knew a stranger and offered help whenever he saw a need.  He was a good neighbor and friend.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Diane Atwell and his infant first born son. 

Gene is survived by his son Curt E. Atwell, granddaughter Lillian N. Atwell and great granddaughter Ember Rose Atwell, his brother John E. Atwell Jr. and wife Sharon of Pembroke, VA, sister Carol Watson, in Foley, AL, sister Katherine Heller and husband Mark of Jacksonville, FL, many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as his caring and loving companion Jane Zisa.   

A memorial service for Gene will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Lebanon Lutheran Church with Rev. Christopher Porter officiating.  Full military honors will be given by Shenandoah American Legion Post 77 of Strasburg, VA.  A meal at Lebanon Church Community Center will follow.  Gene will be laid to rest privately. 

Memorials may be made in memory of Gene to the Lebanon Church North Shenandoah Ruritan Club.  North Shenandoah Ruritan Club, c/o Kelly Upton, 300 Post Office Rd., Lebanon Church, VA 22641.

You may sign the guestbook and submit condolences to the family online at www.stoverfuneralhome.com. 

Stover Funeral Home and Crematory, Strasburg, VA is serving the family of Mr. Bernard “Gene” Atwell.

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