Former State Representative Brent Yonts has died following a battle with COVID-19.
Yonts had been hospitalized with the virus for over two weeks and was placed on a ventilator Sunday, according to a Facebook post from his daughter. The family said Yonts was fully-vaccinated in February.
The Greenville Democrat represented Kentucky’s 15th District for 20 years concluding in 2016 and for a majority of those two decades his district included the northeastern quadrant of Christian County—in addition to all of Muhlenberg and a portion of Hopkins County.
He was easily-spotted in a crowd with his colorful plaid suits and was passionate on many issues including maintaining a strong pension system for state employees and teachers. He went to TVA Board of Directors meetings and advocated hard to keep the Paradise coal power plant open—an effort that was ultimately unsuccessful.
Rep. Yonts chaired the State Government Committee in the House and served multiple stints on conference committees tasked with finishing a budget compromise.
Interviewed in 2014, Yonts said the most rewarding part of serving in Frankfort was having the ability to help his constituents.
Former Representative Martha Jane King of Lewisburg was Yonts’ district neighbor and seatmate in the House and said he was always prepared and knowledgeable.
Like many others, she also remembered Yonts as a friendly person who people enjoyed talking with.
Yonts was a private attorney in Greenville and a U.S. Army veteran. He is survived by his wife Jan, who is the mayor of Greenville, and his three children. Representative Myron Dossett issued a statement, saying “I join so many other House colleagues in offering our prayers and condolences to Brent’s family. The district he served included a portion of Christian County, so we often had the opportunity to work together to move projects forward. He was always helpful and committed to serving our region. I am terribly sorry to learn of his death, and hope his wife and family know their grief is shared by many.”