Thomas D. Emberton, 90, of Edmonton, a former chief judge to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, has died. He was 90.
(WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY)
BY BRENNAN D. CRAIN, WCLU News
EDMONTON — Tom Emberton, a former chief judge to the Kentucky Court of Appeals and executive assistant to Kentucky Governor Louie B. Nunn, has died. He was 90.
Metcalfe County Coroner Larry Wilson said Emberton’s home caught fire sometime early Thursday. The coroner’s office did not confirm his death because his body was yet to be found. Emberton apparently reentered the home after it was ablaze but never returned outside.
Edmonton Mayor Doug Smith confirmed the death, however. He said in a prepared statement that Emberton died in an attempt to save the home after he ensured his wife Julia had made it to safety.
“Today, Kentucky lost a great father, husband, friend, and statesman in a tragic accidental house fire,” said Doug Smith, the mayor of Edmonton, in a prepared statement.
Emberton served in the United States Air Force and served a four-year tour of duty. He was an alumnus of Western Kentucky University and later became a regent on at the university’s board, according to a biography published by WKU.
Before his time as a judge, he served as Metcalfe County attorney from 1964 to 1967. He was then recruited to serve as Gov. Louie B. Nunn’s executive assistant. He was nominated in 1971as the Republican candidate for Kentucky governor.
“His leadership and thoughtfulness will be missed,” said Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Details about the fire at his home remains unclear. The home was consumed entirely.