Timothy William Housel, lovingly known as Tim, passed away on June 15, 2026, at the age of 67 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

 

Born on October 18, 1958, in Independence, Kansas, to Twila Jean Moore, Tim was raised in Cherryvale by his mother and the man he proudly called Dad, John Housel, who later adopted him. He graduated from Cherryvale High School and attended Independence Community College before beginning a career marked by hard work, innovation, and dedication.

 

Tim spent many years working for Big John Housels Oil Company, for years during the oil boom, acting as his actual real-life LANDMAN. Tim worked oil leases across several states. Later, he joined Amazon's Coffeyville facility as an Area and Flow Manager, where his innovative ideas and operational systems left a lasting impact. His work in the Crisp plant and Flow operations became so successful that many of those methods continue to be used in Amazon facilities around the world today. Following the closure of Amazon, Tim served his community as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Independence, Kansas. Even after retirement, he continued helping others through his work with transportation for Four County Mental Health.

 

While Tim's professional accomplishments were impressive, they were never what defined him.

What defined Tim was the way he loved. In November of 2004, he met the love of his life, Shana Turnage. From that day forward, they built a life centered on love, laughter, friendship, and unwavering devotion. They were married on May 23, 2015, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Together they shared adventures, quiet evenings at home, date nights, vacations, poolside conversations, lounging in their own private oasis. 

 

Tim loved taking care of the people he loved. He never allowed Shana to pump her own gas, opening her doors, and making sure she always felt safe, cherished, and protected. To him, she was his Queen. His love was not loud or flashy—it was steady, dependable, and present every single day.

Nothing mattered more to Tim than his family.

 

He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and the kind of Papa every child deserves. His grandchildren, Oaklynn "Moe Moe" McIntosh and Asher "Tuff Guy" McIntosh, were among the greatest joys of his life. Whether sharing stories, laughter, hugs, or simply spending time together, Tim made them feel deeply loved and when they saw him, they lit up.  Being their Papa was one of the roles he treasured most.

Tim's love for family was not only spoken—it was demonstrated through his actions. During difficult seasons, he stood firmly beside those he loved. He was a constant source of strength and support, celebrating victories, carrying burdens, and reminding his family they never faced life's challenges alone. His steady presence, wisdom, patience, and loyalty became the foundation on which so many relied.

To know Tim was to know kindness.

 

He was the man people called when they needed help. If something was broken, he fixed it. If someone needed encouragement, he listened. If a friend was in trouble, he showed up. He never sought recognition for the countless ways he helped others. He simply believed that taking care of people was the right thing to do.

 

Many who knew Tim would describe him as their safe place. He had a quiet strength that made people feel comfortable, protected, and valued. He was patient, humble, generous, and dependable. He had a servant's heart and lived his life with integrity and compassion.

 

Tim enjoyed fishing every chance he could especially with his favorite fishing buddies Jeff Housel, Landon Vinson, and Shawn Turnage. Tim also enjoyed mowing and working in his yard, participating in Fantasy Football, and tinkering in his shop. He found joy in life's simple pleasures and treasured every opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

 

One of the most meaningful chapters of Tim's life came when he fulfilled a lifelong dream of finding his biological father. Through the determination and love of his wife, Shana, that contact was made. On October 17th 2021, for his birthday, Tim was blessed with the opportunity to meet his biological father, Robert K. Lawhon, and the extended family he had long hoped to know. It was a gift that brought him tremendous joy and completed an important piece of his life's story.

 

Tim is survived by his devoted wife, Shana Housel; his sons, Chance (Destiny) Housel, Collin Housel, and Sean McIntosh; his siblings, Kim Harris, Vickie Housel, Jeff Housel, and Johnny Housel Jr., his cousin Tonja Housel -Wolford that he thought of as a sister; his biological father, Robert K. Lawhon; his newfound siblings Bruce Evans, Sherrie Lawhon, Suzy Bishop, John Lawhon, Toni Russell, and Robert "Bobby" Lawhon; and his beloved grandchildren, Oaklynn "Moe Moe" McIntosh and Asher "Tuff Guy" McIntosh.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Twila Housel, and his brother, Mark Housel.

 

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held Monday, June 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.

 

A funeral service celebrating Tim's life will be held Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Tyro Christian Church, 301 South Market Street, Tyro, Kansas, with Pastor Allan Swinson officiating. Following the service, cremation will take place.

 

The family suggests memorial contributions to an education fund being established for his grandchildren. Contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.

 

Tim's greatest legacy will not be found in his career, accomplishments, or the places he traveled. It will be found in the lives he touched, the family he loved so fiercely, and the countless acts of kindness he gave without expecting anything in return. He made people feel safe, valued, and loved. Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, those who knew him carry forward the lessons he taught by example: love deeply, show up for the people you love, help others whenever you can, and never take a single day for granted. The world is a better place because Tim Housel was in it. 

 

To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com.