James Dennis Edelen

James Dennis Edelen, 69, of Bardstown, Kentucky, died of natural causes in his home on January 26, 2026.

He was born in Nelson County, Kentucky in 1956 to Anna Mildred (Downs) Edelen and John Columbus Edelen. He attended Nelson County High School before enlisting in the US Army where he served as a military police officer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers John Edelen, II,  Mike Edelen, Sam Edelen, and his son, Kevin Michael Edelen. 

He is survived by his sisters, Debbie Mudd (Don), Mary Ann Mattingly (Donnie), Ed Edelen (Linda), Tony Edelen (Connie), and his daughter, Courtney Edelen Smith (Patrick), his adored grand-daugher, Adelen Elizabeth, several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Lil’ Bit. 

Per his wishes, there will be no visitation. A service at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Humane Society of Nelson County.

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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