Rev. Alva “Gene” Conover, 86, of Columbia, KY passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 at his home. He was born March 14, 1939 to Rufus and Lillie Conover, who preceded him in death.
He married Cathy Ann (Johnson) Conover on December 12, 1957, who preceded him in death on November 30, 2019.
He pastored the Columbia Church of God from November 3, 1976 and preached his last sermon on November 4, 2025. He will be well remembered for his love for his church and community. He wanted to make sure that everyone was ready for Heaven. Everyone he came in contact with, he wanted to make sure that he left them with a smile on their faces. He loved spreading joy and the good news.
Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two sons: Larry Gene and Gary Lynn; one daughter, Rebecca Ann; two brothers: Joe and Clyde; and one sister, Rena Bell.
SURVIVORS:
2 daughters: Teresa (David) Thompson of Georgetown and Pamela (Stacy) Popplewell of Russell Springs
1 son: Jon (Peggy) Conover of Columbia
6 grandchildren: Josh, Darika (his primary care-giver), Jared, Koh, Kory, and Jordan
Other grandchildren who adopted him as their "Pa" & several great-grandchildren to whom he was known as “Preacher Pa”
2 daughters-in-law: Janice Conover and Pat Conover
A host of nieces & nephews
Funeral Service: Wednesday, January 7 at 10:00 A.M. at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home with family members conducting the service
Interment: Freedom Cemetery
Visitation: After 4:00 P.M. Tuesday
Casket Bearers - His grandsons: Josh Conover, Jared Conover, Koh Kraner, Kory Kraner, Jordan Simpson and great-grandson, Bryson Kraner
Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
