Gene Cannell, 79, formerly of Reading, passed away April 26th in his residence at Fairmount Homes, Ephrata.

He was the husband of Betty (Horst) Cannell.

Born in Reading, PA he was the son of the late Russell and Marjorie (Shaffer) Cannell.

Gene was a member of Conestoga Mennonite Church, Morgantown. Gene taught Sunday school at various churches for a total of 27 years.

In his early years he worked as a tool and die maker and repairman at various companies and became a journeyman tool and die maker. He later owned and operated Reading Bible House from 1972 to 1993. He then managed Christian Light Bookstore from 1993 to 2003. He last operated Cannell’s Choir Robes, Pew Cushioning and Paraments until his retirement.

He is also survived by a daughter, Michelle (Cannell) Jackwood, grandchildren, Matthew, Audrey and Aaron, great-grandchildren, Trenton and Elenora and a sister, Alice Pepper. He was pre-deceased by a brother, Robert Cannell.

A memorial service will be held Sunday May 7th at 3 PM in Wheat Ridge Chapel at Fairmount Homes, 333 Wheat Ridge Drive, Ephrata, PA 17522.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to JAARS, PO Box 248, Waxhaw, NC 28173.

Interment will be private in Forest Hills Memorial Park.

Henninger Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
www.henningerfuneralhome.com