Judge Thomas D. Emberton

Memorial Statue Committee

Edmonton, Kentucky (April 25, 2023) – This past October, Kentucky lost one of our truest statesmen. The Honorable Thomas D. Emberton, retired Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals, passed away following a tragic housefire.

A man of high accomplishments and intellect, Tom Emberton had the ability to make whomever he was talking with, regardless of background, feel valued. It was a gift that would serve him well throughout his career.

Wherever he went in life, Tom Emberton was proud to be from Metcalfe County. Following his death, conversations were held regarding what could be done in Metcalfe County to properly honor one of our most prominent citizens. Those conversations led to efforts which are now beginning to have a statue sculpted and placed at the Metcalfe County Courthouse, located on the public square in Edmonton.

“The Courthouse was a special place for Judge Emberton,” said Tommy Garrett, Circuit Clerk for Metcalfe County. “He was intimately involved with the design of the building and even had the podium created from a cherry tree on his farm. It’s fitting for a statue of him to be placed in a location for which he had so much pride.”

Tom Emberton was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 1987. He would hold that position until his retirement in 2004. Prior to that he was the Republican nominee for Governor in 1971 and candidate for Congress in 1980. He also served as Metcalfe County Attorney, a member of the Kentucky Public Service Commission, and Executive Assistant during the administration of Governor Louie B. Nunn.

“It is rare for a community of our size to have a neighbor of such accomplishment,” said Jason Neighbors. “I believe honoring him in this way will serve to inspire future generations of Metcalfe Countians, something I know Judge Emberton would appreciate.”

The committee has already secured permission from both the Metcalfe County Fiscal Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts for placement of the statue. It has also engaged the services of Russ Faxon, a celebrated sculptor who, like Tom Emberton, was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Western Kentucky University.

Additionally, the Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky has agreed to receive and administer funds for the project, giving donors an added sense of security. The estimated cost of the project is $85,000 for the statute itself, with another $15,000 for transporting and placing it at the Metcalfe County Courthouse.

“I had the distinct honor to work for Judge Emberton for two summers during college,” said Tommy Druen. “As I knew then, and have only learned more during my own career in Frankfort, he was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, respected by all who knew him, regardless of political affiliation.”

Those interested in donating may do so by mailing a check payable to Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky, with “Emberton Fund” on the memo line, to P.O. Box 737, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42102.

Contact Information:

Jason Neighbors     (270) 646-6212     jasonneighbors@hotmail.com

Tommy Garrett     (270)432-3663     tommygarrett@kycourts.net

Tommy Druen     (502)836-1046     tommydruen@gmail.com