In Memoriam

If you wish to leave a lasting legacy by bequeathing funds to the English-Speaking Union, Kentucky Branch, we invite you to reach out to us. We would be honored to discuss how you can make these meaningful plans and ensure your support continues to impact future generations.

Dr. John Spalding Gatton

The Kentucky Branch of the English-Speaking Union regrets to announce the passing of our beloved board member Dr. John Spalding Gatton, who died peacefully on March 11, 2025. His service to our branch, and his passion for academia and scholars will be remembered with fondness. Born in Louisville, John developed a passion for theatre at a very young age, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life as an actor, director, and professor. As a child, he was part of the original cast of Louisville Children’s Theatre (now StageOne) and appeared in Kentucky Shakespeare productions during its early years for 10 summer seasons. Dr. Gatton was a professor at UK in the English and Honors Departments from 1981 to 1987, and taught in the English Department at the Virginia Military Institute for two years, under the rank of Major, before taking his final teaching job at Bellarmine College, now Bellarmine University. A beloved professor at Bellarmine, John taught in the English Department for over 30 years and directed numerous student plays while there. He was recognized as Professor Emeritus upon his retirement from Bellarmine in 2018 and continued to teach Shakespeare part time at the school until 2020. He was beloved by his colleagues and enriched the lives of generations of students. Dr. Gatton was a member of the Modern Language Association, the South Atlantic Modern Language Association, the University of Kentucky Library Association, and the Kentucky Historical Society. In retirement, he continued his scholarship as a revered member of The Byron Society where he served on the board of directors as treasurer and delivered papers internationally at annual meetings. He taught a series of lectures to Elderhostel (now Road Scholar) on Kentucky Authors and served on the board of directors for the Kentucky Branch of the English-Speaking Union for many years.

Dr. Kathleen Lyons

It is with deepest sorrow and heartfelt love that I share the passing of Dr. Kathleen Lyons. She met her Lord on Monday, October 7, 2024 in her home surrounded by family and loved ones. She will be greatly missed.

I need not tell you the important contributions Kathleen made to the ESU Kentucky Branch throughout her many years on the Board of Directors. She championed the Scholarship Program from which so many have benefitted. Several recent scholars have been sent abroad on a scholarship under her name. She was a dear friend to many of us and a wealth of knowledge for our organization. According to her nephew Geoff, she was most proud of her 2024 ESU Lifetime Achievement Award and kept it prominently by her sickbed to the last.

Paul Whitty

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend, Paul Whitty, on October 21, 2023. Paul’s contributions to the Kentucky Branch of the English-Speaking Union were immeasurable and his presence will be profoundly missed. In recognition of his remarkable lifetime of service, Paul Whitty was honored with the Kentucky Branch Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Convention this past Friday evening. This accolade was a testament to his outstanding contributions to our cause, and it is a tribute that will forever stand as a reminder of his lasting impact.

Paul’s legacy will continue to resonate within our organization, and we are grateful for the time we had with him.

O. Grant Bruton

The Kentucky Branch of the English-Speaking Union is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved board member Grant Bruton, who left us on July 7, 2022. His service to our branch, and his passion for academia and scholars will be remembered with much love.

Keith Eiken

The Kentucky branch is saddened by the loss of past Branch ESU Scholar, Board of Director Member, Scholarship Committee Member, and longtime branch member Keith Eiken.