Former State Rep. Lonnie Napier passes away at 82

GARRARD CO., Ky. (WKYT) - Former Representative Lonnie Napier of Garrard County has passed away, according to House Speaker David Osborne.

“On behalf of the Kentucky House of Representatives, I extend sympathy to the family of Representative Lonnie Napier,” said Osborne in a statement on Saturday. “Those who served with Lonnie saw firsthand his commitment to the people of his district. He brought to the House his experience as a successful small businessman and service in local government and served with distinction for almost three decades. Lonnie worked tirelessly to provide his constituents with not only a voice in the House, but an advocate to state government agencies.”

Born May 24, 1940, Napier served in the House from 1985-2013. He also served in the Kentucky Army National Guard from 1963-1969. He passed away on Friday.

Former Garrard County Judge Executive, John Wilson was one of Napier’s close friends. He knew him since 1998, when Wilson was randomly assigned as his legislative aid, as a student at the University of Kentucky.

He described Lonnie as one of the most compassionate and humble people he’s ever met before. Wilson said he helped him get elected as judge executive and helped him get his first job as an attorney.

Wilson said he was always lending a helping hand, serving others, and doing random acts of kindness.

“Lonnie was on the Appropriations and Revenue Committee, good friends with our senators and governors, and in leadership in the House of Representatives, and then you come to Lancaster and he’d be on his knees helping a man try on boots,” Wilson said.

He said it’s remarkable that he was able to accomplish so much in his career as well as touch the lives of people around the world.