J. Harold Utley, 71, of Madisonville, KY. passed away at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday May 25, 2010 at his home.

He was born on April 27, 1939 in Hopkins County, KY. to the late Bonnie Utley. He was an engineering technician, registered land surveyor and a retired federal coal mine inspector for the U.S. Department of Labor. He was the second person appointed county historian by the County Fiscal Court. He was active in the Historical Society of Hopkins County. He served over 20 years as President and was the yearbook editor for the last 15 years. He was a Deacon at Pleasant View Baptist Church where he was a member for more than 60 years. He was also a member of Gideons International.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years Louise Utley; his children, Jim (Sandra) Utley of Madisonville, Craig (Karrie) Utley of Clay, KY., Cathy (Johnny) Babb of Madisonville, Steve (Donna) Cobb of Boonville, IN. and Beth Cobb of Rumsey, KY., his brother, David (Beverly) Killough of Calhoun, KY., nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren and several cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday May 28, 2010 in the chapel of Harris Funeral Home in Madisonville with Rev. Henry Ramey officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Madisonville.

Visitation is from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. until service time Friday at Harris Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be the grandsons, Jeremy Coakley, Jesse Dame, Chris Coakley, Trevor Cobb, Brandon Utley and D.J. Utley. Honorary pallbearers will be Gideon International Members. Honorarian granddaughters are Olivia Utley, Molly Utley and Meagan Cobb.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Historical Society of Hopkins County and Gideons International.