ROCK CAMP — Rev. R. Earl Bazell, 88, of Rock Camp, passed away Monday, May 2, 2011, at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Russell, Ky. The Rock Camp native was born May 8, 1922, the son of the late Donald and Verna Atkinson Bazell. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Garnet Fradd Bazell.

Rev. Bazell attended Kitts Hill High School. He was a former employee for the Carlyle Tile Company and the Lawrence County Engineer’s office.

In his ministry he pastored the Rock Camp, Locust Grove, Sheridan, Bethel, Defender, Finley Chapel, Big Branch, Marion-Aid, and Windsor United Methodist Churches, the Bald Knob E.U.B Church, and the Centenary United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert, Ross, and Joe Bazell; and a sister, Letha Bata Dickess.

He is survived by a son, Larry Bazell of Rock Camp; a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Sam Newman of Rock Camp; a grandson, Rev. Dr. Deron S. Newman of Greenup, Ky.; and special family friend, Charles Forbush of Willow Wood.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Phillips Funeral  Home with Rev. Dr. Deron S. Newman officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens and visitation will be Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.