David Gene (Red) Honaker

With sadness we announce the passing of David Gene “Red” Honaker, age 71, longtime resident of Phelps, KY.  He passed away at the Pikeville Medical Center on November 21st, 2025.   David was born on June 17th, 1954, the loving son of the late Willis & Vicy (Stump) Honaker.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, David Honaker, brothers, Roger Lee (Anna Gail) Honaker, and Jimmy Darrell (Brenda) Coleman, and brother-in-law, Anthony Casey.

David was a graduate of Phelps High School and was very popular in school.  He was a star basketball player for the Phelps Hornets in his younger years.  David was a former employee of McCoy Elkhorn where he was the scales operator weighing coal.  David’s happiest times were spent with his family.  He cherished the love of his children.   In his spare time, he was an avid outdoorsman, loved to fish, and he always enjoyed a ride on his motorcycle.

Those surviving to honor Davids’s memory include his son, Matt (Brittany) Honaker; brothers, Eddie (Shirley) Honaker of Phelps, KY, Teddy Lee (Lilly) Honaker of Jamboree, KY, Ronnie (Imajean) Honaker of Beech Creek, W.Va, and Allen (Kathy) Honaker of Meta, KY; sisters, Bonnie Casey of Phelps, KY, Linda (Turner) Smith of Somerset, KY, Willa (Kenneth) Wolford of Phelps, KY, and Kay (Mike) Casebolt of Shelbiana, KY; and two grandchildren.  David leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

David was a kind soul, and a generous and humble man who touched many lives simply by being himself. His gentle heart and compassion will be remembered by all who loved him.

David’s family would like to give a special thank you to Good Shepherd Nursing & Rehabilitation and staff for all of the love and care you gave David while he resided there. 

The family would like to welcome friends for visitation on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 from 6-9 P.M. at the Jones & West Funeral Home located at 37035 State Highway 194 East.  Special singing will begin at 7:00 P.M.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 P.M. Monday, November 24th, 2025 in the chapel with Pastor Odis Blankenship officiating. 

Friends & family will serve as Pallbearers.  Burial will follow at The Honaker Cemetery in Phelps, Kentucky.

The Jones & West Funeral Home of Phelps, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of David Honaker.  Our guestbook may be viewed online at www.joneswestfh.com.

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