Hundreds gathered to honor and grieve the loss of Former State Representative Dewayne Bunch in Whitley County today.

After receiving at traumatic head injury more than one year ago while trying to break up a fight at Whitley County High School, Bunch has been fighting for his life.

And many were saddened Wednesday when he lost his fight.

Flags lined the streets flying at half-staff in honor of a mentor and friend to many in Williamsburg.

"Just such an impressive person," said Rep. John Carney.

People piled in to pay their respects to 50-year-old Dewayne Bunch, who was a veteran of the National Guard and a former high school teacher and state representative.

"It's just a sad time for all of us and for this community. It's certainly a great loss," said Rep. Jeff Hoover.

Even the Patriot Guard Riders brought along nearly 100 bikes and stood in honor of this fallen veteran.

"Being a retired National Guard and being a state representative and a school teacher, everybody liked him, and he didn't have any enemies," said State Capt. Danny Valentine of the Patriot Guard Riders.

He was not only a military man of Kentucky politics.

He was a devoted husband and father to his children and his community.

"He was such a good person. He was genuinely a good person who cared about other people," said Rep. Hoover.

"He and his wife Regina had a tremendous amount of faith and their prayers and faith got them this far, and that'll help Regina get through this and the rest of the family," said Rep. Bob M. DeWeese.

With his wife now filling his shoes, people of Whitley County have no doubt Representative Regina Bunch will follow in his foot steps.

His wife Regina Bunch is currently serving as state representative in the 82nd district.

Dewayne Bunch was 50-years-old.