Obituaries

It is with great sadness that the family of John Edward “Bear” Coyle announces his unexpected passing on the afternoon of Sunday November 25, 2018 at the age of 63. A native and lifelong resident of Woodford County, John attended the Nonesuch School and graduated from the Woodford County High School in 1973. Upon graduation, he began working as a tobacco and cattle farmer in the Nonesuch area before beginning his law enforcement career in 1986 as a Deputy in the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office. In 1992 John was awarded Kentucky Deputy Sheriff of the Year and would rise through the ranks to that of Chief Deputy. In 1996, John was appointed as Sheriff of Woodford County and later elected as Sheriff in 1998, serving in that capacity until 2006. John was elected as Woodford County Judge/Executive in 2006 where he remained until his untimely death.

As a child, John dreamed of becoming Sheriff like his grandfather, Andrew Jackson “Jack” Corman. He strived to serve the citizens of Woodford County in an honest and approachable manner and did so in a career spanning three decades of humble public service. He dedicated his life to truly putting Woodford County first and did so enthusiastically and happily until the very end.

His passion in the community is exemplified through his involvement in the Parks and Recreation as a basketball and baseball coach, DARE instructor – where he earned the nickname “Bear”, the Woodford County Public Schools Hall of Fame Committee, and the Hope Ministry Food Pantry Building Taskforce.


John was extremely active in the local community serving as a member of many organizations including the Troy Presbyterian Church, Landmark Lodge #41 F.&A.M., Buford Lodge #494 F.&A.M., President of D.A.R.E. of Woodford County Inc., Woodford County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy ASAP, Board Member for the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association, Chair of the Woodford County Democratic Party Executive Committee, Chairman of Woodford County Board of Health and was appointed to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council by Governor Steve Beshear.

John’s love of Woodford County was only surpassed by the love he had for his family. Spending time with loved ones, playing cards, preparing suppers, tending his livestock, and growing a vegetable garden were his passions outside of the public eye. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years, Mary Don Withers Coyle, and his four boys who he was so proud of: Andrew (Kristin), Roy (Katherine), Matthew (Jordan) and John Paul. His greatest joy in life was his three granddaughters: Ella, Sloane and Mallory, who he treasured. John is preceded in death by his father and mother, John William Coyle and Ethel Corman Coyle.


John’s pallbearers are Spurgeon Chapman, Glenn Carter, Charles Melvin Carter, Kip Gillespie, Charles Withers and David Sutherland. Honorary pallbearers are all Woodford County Magistrates, Loren “Squirrel” Carl, Wayne “Tiny” Wright, John Wilhoit, Jerry Lancaster, Ronnie Durbin, Alan George, Gordie Shaw, James “Flea” Kay, Sr., James Kay, Kenny Tilghman, Mark Molla, Randy Redmon, Sandy Redmon, Clifford Ray Bradley and Second Floor Staff.

Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Versailles United Methodist Church (230 Paynes Mill Road) from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, those wishing to pay their respects to Judge Coyle can also do so before the service from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm on Friday. Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 30 also at Versailles United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Versailles Cemetery. Officiating the service is Tim Noel of Troy Presbyterian Church and a eulogy provided by Alan George with additional comments provided by Anthony Wilhoit.

Memorial donations in memory of John can be made to Troy Presbyterian Church, 11021 Troy Pike, Versailles, KY 40383 or the Food Pantry for Woodford County PO Box 1066, Versailles, KY 40383 where John was to concentrate his efforts in retirement.

To plant a tree in memory of John Edward "Bear" Coyle, please visit our Tribute Store.

Previous Events

Cemetery Details