Honsel Curtis Biliter Sr.

Honsel Curtis Biliter was born on February 14, 1941, in Pikeville, Kentucky, to Kermit and Sarah Jane Biliter.

After completing high school, Honsel attended Eastern Kentucky University, where he earned a degree in education. He moved to Pineville, Kentucky, to begin his teaching career and met the love of his life, Phyllis Ely. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage that lasted 60 years and were blessed with two sons, Honsel Curtis Biliter, Jr., and Chad Evans Biliter.

Honsel was preceded in death by his twin brother, Hansel; his parents, Kermit and Sarah Jane Justice Biliter; his brothers, Roscoe Biliter, Kermit Biliter, Jr., and Denton Biliter; his brothers-in-law, Bruce Huffman, Bob Hendrickson, Adam Stacy, and C.B. Ely; his grandchildren, Honsel Curtis Biliter III (Trey) and Ashley Jean Biliter; and his great-niece, Krista Gibbs.

Honsel is survived by his wife of 60 years, Phyllis Ely Biliter; his sons, Honsel Curtis Biliter, Jr., and his wife, Lawana, and Chad Evans Biliter and his wife, Danita; his grandchildren, Lauren Brown (Andrew), Jordan Biliter, Megan Biliter, Evan Biliter, and Kamryn Biliter; his great-granddaughter, Mayson Claire Brown; his sister, Vada Huffman; his sisters-in-law, Mary Margaret Stacy, Kate Hendrickson, Wanda Bailey, LauraLee Ely, Lenore Biliter, and Donna Biliter; and his brother-in-law, Lyle Bailey. He was also blessed with a host of nieces and nephews.

Honsel led a life devoted to family, faith, education, and service, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He dedicated 32 years of his life to education, serving as a teacher at Bell County and Lone Jack High Schools. His love for teaching went far beyond the classroom, as he took great pride in encouraging, guiding, and inspiring his students. He believed in making a difference in the lives of young people and touched countless lives throughout his teaching career.

In addition to his career in education, he was a Master Licensed Plumber, a profession he pursued with skill and dedication. He understood the value of hard work and took pride in providing for his family and serving others.

His faith was the foundation of his life. For more than 50 years, he was a devoted member and deacon of West Pineville Baptist Church. He faithfully served his church and community as a Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School teacher. His love for the Lord was evident in his willingness to share his faith and witness to others. He found joy in encouraging others to know Christ and lived his life as an example of Christian faith and service.

His commitment to his community extended beyond the church. He served as a coach at Lone Jack Middle School, where he had the opportunity to mentor and encourage young people both on and off the field. He was also honored as a Kentucky Colonel, a recognition of service and dedication to others.

Above all, he cherished his family. His greatest joys included spending time with those he loved and sharing his faith with others. Whether through his work, his teaching, his church, or simple conversations with friends and neighbors, he made a lasting impact through his kindness, wisdom, and willingness to serve.

He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love for his family, his dedication to his students, and his servant's heart. His influence will live on in the many lives he touched, the students he taught, the people he encouraged, and the faith he so freely shared.

One of his favorite quotes beautifully captured the heart behind his life's work:

"I plumbed for the money and taught for the love of the students."

Those words reflect the man he was-a hardworking provider who found his greatest professional fulfillment in teaching and making a difference in the lives of others.

His legacy is one of faith, love, service, and dedication. Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the faith he shared, and the love he gave will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, former students, church family, and community.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at West Pineville Baptist Church with Rev. Corey Smallwood and Mr. Mickey Jones presiding. Burial will follow at Green Hills Memorial Gardens in Middlesboro. Pallbearers will be Jordan Biliter, Evan Biliter, Andrew Brown, Colby Slusher, Will Smith, Ty Smith, and Blake Hendrickson. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Shawn Fugate, Dr. Nick Fugate, Bruce Nunn, Earl Beggs, and Police Chief Brandon Hollingsworth.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made in memory of Honsel to West Pineville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 992, Pineville, Kentucky 40977.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the funeral hour at West Pineville Baptist Church in Pineville.

Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville is honored to serve the Biliter Family.