Hulen Gene Robinette

Tribute to Gene Robinette

Hulen Gene Robinette, 74, of Stopover, KY, departed this life November 17, 2024, surrounded by the loving care of his sister, Huletha Smith and family.

Gene was born February 15, 1950, to Hulen and Juanita Robinette, of Stopover, KY. Gene was preceded in death by his dad, Hulen E. Robinett, one brother, Huby Dean Robinette, both paternal and maternal grandparents, two brothers-in-law, Harold Lee Campbell and Grover Lee Blankenship, along with several uncles, aunts and cousins.

Gene leaves behind to cherish his memory of his loving mother, Juanita Estep Robinette,  four sisters, Hulita Gail (William) Blankenship, Hulena Diane Blankenship, Huvita Kay Campbell, and Huletha Juanita (James) Smith, several nieces and nephews, along with a host  of family and friends, three of whom deserves special mention: Jearlene Keen Zerkle, Gail Lightner, and Thurman (Woody) Barker, who remained tried and true friends until the very end, ministering to him in various ways in some of his most difficult times along life’s journey, especially through his illness.

 Additionally, Gene also leaves behind an Indian family whom he considered his very own,Sam, Elsamma, John (Sanjana), and Jessy Cherukuttu (Che rook e too).  Sam referred to Gene as his big brother, or Big Bhai (Bi). Gene doted on Sam’s and Elsamma’s children, John and Jessy, as his very own children. Their endearing term for Gene was that he was their Appacha, (Oppa-cha) meaning Papa or Grandfather. Gene’s unfailing love for them was demonstrated through his ongoing spiritual guidance, as well as emotional and financial support.

Gene was a 1968 graduate of Phelps High School. Upon graduation, he studied at Eastern Kentucky University and later obtained a bachelor’s degree from Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, which had a huge impact on him, greatly influencing Gene’s future endeavors. Gene spent a number of years in retail sales, with his most prominent employment being with Wurlitzer Piano & Music Stores, where he was recognized as Employee of The Year, having the highest sales.

Later, when the opportunity arose, Gene became a missionary to India, where he lived for eighteen years, dedicated to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ, living out his Christian faith. Gene had a genuine love for God, as well as a love and compassion for people which made it easy to answer the call to go to India. Gene was actively involved with Christian ministry in activities and service to mankind throughout his lifetime. He was blessed with opportunities to minister to people of different religions, and rejoiced with everyone who came to know Christ and the Christian faith. During Gene’s eighteen years in India, he opened his home there to missionaries and folks of all walks of life, desiring to be a blessing along life’s pathway. He loved with an ardent love and wanted people to be blessed, saved, and delivered from the power of darkness.

As the years passed, Gene felt the call to return home to our aging parents. He yielded to the call, returning home in 2015. He was a devoted son, continuing to serve their needs until Dad passed in 2017. Gene continued in service to our mother, caring for her until he became ill, receiving his terminal diagnosis in June. His service to our parents spanned over the last nine years. Gene shared a love for flowers, just like his beautiful mother does. He loved to pick flowers for her that he had planted, throughout every season, including beautiful holly and greenery in the winter months. One of the greatest traits Gene possessed was his faithful love for Jesus, our parents, and others. 

Throughout Gene’s final months he continued to call to check on Mommy, telling her how much he loved her until he no longer was able. He would say she was the priority. Gene embraced the love of our mother, calling himself “Mommy’s Big Baby” and “Mommy’s First Baby.”  Gene’s faith was anchored in the Lord, with one of his favorite Scriptures being John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. He that abides in me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.” In Gene’s lifetime the enemy of his soul sought to ensnare him and death tried to stop him, but…. O Death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians15:55-57

2 Timothy 4:7-8 says, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing. Gene’s race is run. He now has the victory in Christ Jesus.

A private funeral service, with family and friends, will be held at Jones & West Funeral Home of Phelps, KY, with James Smith officiating, under the direction of Marshall West.

Burial will follow in the W. J. Robinett Family Cemetery at Stopover, KY with
family and friends as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, Gene would be honored by your donations to your
favorite church, ministry, or charity.

Jones & West Funeral Home will be serving the Robinette family.  Our guestbook may be viewed at www.joneswestfh.com

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