One of our favorite public figures, McCracken County Judge Van Newberry, lost his life while out riding his bike in West Paducah on Thursday, October 13th.

Whatever happened in his political and personal life after that day, we remember him as a friend.

Van Newberry was funny, irreverent, hard working and very, very smart. More often than not, attempts to interview him proved unsuccessful as he reduced me to giggles. My notes would be reduced to indecipherable marks on the page. He would say something caustic. I would try to write it down. He would say something else and the quote would become a hopeless morass. It was conduct unbecoming a mature adult, but, oh, it was such fun!

The last time we saw Judge Newberry, he was playing cornhole at the annual PADD Picnic. He was having the time of his life. It is how we will remember him - having the time of his life.

"Newberry's visitation is Tuesday, October 18 from 4-7pm at the Carson Center. His funeral will follow at 7pm, also at the Carson Center.

To view his obituary and to make donations in lieu of flowers, click here. " WPSD Local6 website