BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – Waves of red scattered throughout the pews of the State Street United Methodist Church, as community members from around the South Central Kentucky area, including many from Bowling Green, for Lee Robertson’s memorial service. He passed away on July 3 at 102 years old.
Robertson, known to many as Mr. Western, was a pivotal figure in the Bowling Green community. His career in education led him to serving the McClean and Barren County School Districts. He began working at Western Kentucky University in 1960, and dedicated his life to the school ever since.
Gary Ransdell, ninth president of WKU, was friends with Robertson for 51 years. He told the story of how Robertson got his nickname during a ceremony, where he was the first recipient of an award for employees that exemplify exemplary service, dedication, and loyalty.
“As he was walking forward that day in …