Former KentuckyJudge and gubernatorial candidate Tom Emberton died at 90 years old Thursday morning after rescuing his wife in an accidental house fire.
Emberton, a Republican who ran for governor of Kentucky in 1971 and was appointed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals in 1987, heroically rescued his wife and got her to safety before going back inside the inferno to save his Edmonton, Kentucky, home and ultimately lost his life, Mayor Doug Smith said, according to WYMT.
Absolutely tragic. Former Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge Tom Emberton died in a house fire today in Edmonton. The mayor tells us that Tom heroically saved his wife Julia but lost his life during his effort to save their home. pic.twitter.com/YwxwJKk3yn
— kellydeannews (@kellydeannews) October 20, 2022
“Tom was just the greatest guy in the world to be around,” Smith added. “He was infectious to everybody. He had a way about him that was really special.”
Emberton and Smith were friends and fishing partners.
“He was a friend to many and always a champion of South Central [Kentucky],” Smith said. “His wisdom, kindness, and always sage advice was an encouragement to all.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who served on Emberton’s gubernatorial campaign and considered Emberton a friend, said he was “heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing.”
“Tom gave me one of my earliest experiences in the rough and tumble reality of political campaigning, hiring me to work on his 1971 gubernatorial campaign,” McConnell said, according to WBKO. “He taught me valuable lessons on public service and running as a statewide Republican in Kentucky. Tom advocated for conservative values across our state and played a key role in organizing Kentucky Republicans at every level, paving the way for me and so many other conservatives to follow in his footsteps.”
McConnell said a Democratic governor appointed him to the Kentucky Court of Appeals in 1987, citing a distinguished career and outstanding service to the commonwealth.
Emberton held the position twice after being re-elected and was elected by his peers to serve as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals until retiring in 2004.
WBKO reports Emberton attended Western Kentucky University and was inducted into the WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2016.
Emberton is survived by his wife of 65 years, two children, and five grandchildren.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Tom Emberton as we learn of his passing. His leadership and thoughtfulness for the Commonwealth will be missed by many. pic.twitter.com/J8ryhdly8u
— Commissioner Ryan Quarles (@KYAgCommish) October 20, 2022