Mr. Chad Wesley Imel, 51, of Barbourville, passed away Sunday morning, September 24, 2023 at his home. He was the son of Don Imel and Barbara Stites Burnett, born on September 23, 1972 in Madison, IN.
Chad was a manager with Maximus, Inc. in London and a member of the First Baptist Church of Barbourville, where he served in ministries such as AWANA, Upward basketball, and the bus ministry. He was also a member of the KHSAA Umpire Association, umpiring baseball and softball games, as well as refereeing volleyball matches. Chad also coached many teams including various little league teams, Knox County All-Stars, Knox County Flames, Jesse D. Lay Basketball teams, Knox County Middle School and Knox Central High School Baseball teams, but he most loved coaching and attending the various sporting events that his boys were involved in at the elementary, middle school, high school and collegiate levels. He served as Knox Co. Little League Board President for ten years. During this time, he brought life back to Knox County Little League and helped end over a 20 year drought of Knox County teams playing in the Kentucky Little League State Tournament. Also, Chad played a major role in introducing travel baseball to our area. He was actively involved in organizing KC DanceBlue to raise funds that directly benefit the DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology Oncology Clinic. Chad enjoyed traveling to major league baseball parks and golfing with his sons, specifically the annual ‘Imel Open’. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, father-in-law, coach and friend to many.
On June 10, 1995, he united in marriage with Stacy Buchanan and to this union three sons were born.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Mary Stites and Neva and John Hoffman and Albert and Louise Ryker Imel and his father-in-law, Lloyd E. Buchanan.
Survivors include his loving wife of 28 years, Stacy Imel, of Barbourville; three dearly loved sons, Brayden Squire Imel and wife, Hallea Rae, of Lexington, Dane Ryker Imel of Springfield, TN and Bryce Westin Imel of Barbourville; father Don Imel and wife, Joyce, of Madison, IN; mother Barbara Burnett and husband, Mike, of Madison, IN; sisters, Lindsay Black and husband, Matt, of Madison, IN and Carla Ginn of Deputy, IN; brothers, Scott Imel and wife, Stacy, Jason Imel and wife, Lee Ann and Eric Burnett and wife, Christi, all of Madison, IN; mother-in-law, Joyce Buchanan of Barbourville; brother-in-law, Kevin Buchanan and wife, Gina, of Eubank; several nieces and nephews, Kyle and Danielle Imel, Emily, Hannah and Jenna Imel, Zach and Brooke Burnett, Ethan and Colton Pittman, Madilyn, Charlee and Jett Black and Amanda Buchanan; two special little cousins, Ramsey Grace and Remi Jane Campbell; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted at the First Baptist Church of Barbourville, 201 N Main Street, Barbourville, KY 40906, Thursday, September 28 at 1 P.M. with Dr. Tyler Shields and Rev. David Barnard officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Barbourville Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Brayden Imel, Dane Imel, Bryce Imel, Scott Imel, Jason Imel, Eric Burnett, Courtney Campbell and Dave McCracken.
Friends may visit at the church Wednesday between 6 and 9 P.M. and Thursday after 11 A.M. until the funeral hour.
Expressions of sympathy may go to the Chad Imel Youth Baseball Foundation. Gifts will be used to further develop and improve baseball for young ballplayers in Knox County. Please make checks payable to the Chad Imel Youth Baseball Foundation and mail to 64 Hap Lane, Barbourville, KY 40906.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
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For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.