Kenneth Ray Catlett

Kenneth Ray Catlett, 89, resident of Bardstown, KY, died Friday April 15th, 2022. Kenneth was born in Shelbyville, KY on October 17th, 1932, to Everett and Bessie Catlett. 

Kenneth grew up on a small farm in Shelbyville, KY where hard work and his love of farming started at a very young age.  He graduated from Shelbyville High School and then went on to attend Transylvania University in the fall of 1950.  He served on the Interfraternity Council, Student Council Representative, Student Christian Association and was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha social fraternity.  Kenneth graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts In 1954 and a masters degree from the University of Kentucky.  During his senior year at Transylvania, Kenneth met his future wife, Marjorie Jean Lollis.  He also was named Mr Pioneer in the Spring 1954.  After graduating from Transylvania he entered the United States Marine Corp in January 1955 and completed basic training in Parris Island, South Carolina.  He completed many courses during his military enlistment which included Amphibious Training Command United States Atlantic Fleet and Artillery and Guided Missile School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Kenneth spent 40 months in the Marine Corp where he moved up in the ranks to First Lieutenant on November 28, 1956.  Kenneth married the love of his life on June 1, 1955 and their first home was on base at Camp Lajeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. 

After his service in the Marine Corp, Kenneth and Jean bought a farm in New Castle, KY.  This is where they started their family and then moved to Bardstown, KY in 1970 where they lived and farmed for over 40 years.  Kenneth’s Christian work did not go unnoticed, (from feeding his sanitation workers every week to cooking for the homeless), he showed respect regularly to the firemen, police officers and healthcare workers in our community delivering food.  Kenneth had a love for his family and community, but his greatest love was his wife Jean. 

He is survived by his three children, Gregory Lewis Catlett (Karen), Jennifer Catlett Adams and Kenneth Walter Catlett: seven grandchildren: Nicolette Knuckles (Justin), Jessica Shifflett (Thomas), Taylor Catlett, Madison Catlett, Billy Adams, Blake Catlett, and Lauren Catlett. He is also survived by his sister Bonnie Chandler (Jim)

There will be an open memorial service at the First Christian Church in Bardstown on Saturday, April 23rd at 11:00 a.m. -to celebrate Kenneth’s life as an amazing husband, brother, father, and son of Christ. 

Memorial contributions may go to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

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