John Wesley Angel
It is with a heavy heart and loving remembrance that the family of John Wesley Angel announces his peaceful passing on February 14, 2025, in Lexington, KY, after a life rich with love and adventure. Born on October 2, 1966, in Oneida, KY, John was a man whose laughter and energy brought light and joy to all who knew him. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, John leaves behind a legacy of kindness and dedication.
Wesley shared 37 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Tracie Marie Harney Angel. Together they raised two admirable children, Travis Art (Michelle) Angel and Adria Marie (Derek) Dotson, who remember him as a role model and pillar of strength. His love overflowed into the lives of his seven grandchildren, Keegan, Kinsley, Emerson, Collin, Harlan, Ada, and Charlotte, who were his pride and joy.
Wesley was a cherished son to Wanda Rice Stevens and the late Ronald Thornberry, and stepson to Herbert Stevens. His guiding presence will also be missed by his brothers, Jerry (Tracey) Angel and Jason (Erin) Thornberry, and his stepbrother, John Wesley (Melissa) Stevens. He was a loving nephew and a generous uncle to several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The memories he shared with his father and mother-in-law, Jerome and Charlotte Harney, and sister-in-law Angela (Johnny) Plummer, along with his brothers-in-law, Sid Harney and Pat (Julie) Harney, will be cherished and nurtured.
Wesley was preceded in passing by his father Ronald Thornberry, sister Jennifer Thornberry, and grandparents Delbert and Nola Rice, and Oscar and Eliza Angel.
A graduate of Bourbon County High School in 1985, Wesley turned his passion for precision and stewardship into a fulfilling career. He reliably served as a heavy equipment operator for the City of Paris and concluded his professional journey as a Water Quality Supervisor for the Fayette-Lexington Urban County Government. His natural leadership on and off the field was exemplified through his role as a football coach for Bourbon County Middle School.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Paris, KY, Wesley’s faith and community spirit shone bright. His involvement with Quail Unlimited, the NRA, FFA, and “Just Serve” initiative, were a testament to his selfless nature and constant eagerness to help others.
An adventurous soul, Wesley relished the great outdoors. Whether he was hunting, fishing, running his beagle dogs, or horseback riding, he embraced each moment with zest. His grandchildren will fondly recall grand adventures and simple pleasures, like playing with R/C cars, and the times spent hiking with his wife on the trails he loved.
Friendly, adventurous, and selfless, these words perfectly encapsulate the essence of John Wesley Angel. His life was a remarkable journey, and though no longer in our presence, his spirit continues to guide and inspire us. Wesley’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched, eternally casting ripples of positivity and courage through the lives of his family and friends.
A private funeral service will be conducted at the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY by Bishop William Denninghoff and High Priest Samuel Harney. Burial will follow in the Paris Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Travis Angel, Keegan Vice, Jason Thornberry, Jerry Angel, Derek Plummer, Derek Dotson, Samuel Harney, Braeden Harney, Bryce Harney, Austin Harney, and Allen Fryman.
Honorary pallbearers will be Collin Angel, Jerome and Charlotte Harney, Kinsley Angel, Emerson Angel, Harlan Dotson, Ada Dotson, Charlotte Dotson, Pat Harney, Jeff Preston, Joey Preston, Drew Thornberry, Shawn Sexton, William Dave Davis, Willie Dale, Mason Smith, Robbie Morgan, Robbie Jackson, Dino Himes, Herb Stevens, Steve Zimmerman, Steve Pearce, Mike Sexton, Sid Harney and the Elders Quorum and friends of the Paris Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY. The online guestbook is at www.luskmcfarland.com and a 24-hour funeral information line can be reached by calling 859-987-4387.
