Everyone who knew John Minton Sr. had similar words to say about him – namely that he was loyal, a man of character, humble and a man of grace.

These words ring true of a man who came from humble beginnings in Trigg County, a student from a one-room house who attended two major universities, where he received multiple degrees, and a veteran of World War II, an educator and a president of Western Kentucky University.

The community has lost a fine man in John Minton Sr., who died Sunday at age 86 surrounded by those he loved most, his family.

Minton dedicated his life to education and he loved WKU, where he served as president from Jan. 8 to July 31, 1979. During his time at Western, he also served as vice president of academic affairs, associate dean of graduate instruction, dean of the graduate college and vice president of administrative affairs. He came to Western in 1958 as a history professor. He retired from WKU in 1986 but continued to teach part-time. People who had Minton as a professor held him in high regard and that says a lot about the type of man he was.

The Rev. J. Rick Bard Jr. gave the sermon at Minton’s funeral Tuesday at Broadway United Methodist Church, where Minton was a member.

Bard talked about a man who came from small beginnings and rose to great things.

“He understood that his mission in life was to serve,” Bard said. “It was his servant heart that guided him.”

Bard talked of a man who was constantly helping others, a man who taught others how to be humble and graceful.

“Dr. John understood that we were writing a story that would influence others,” Bard said. “He was a man of strong character, values and dedication.”

Bard also talked about Minton’s life as an educator and his time in the military.

“When his country called, he left college for the Navy. He said he couldn’t march very well, so he joined the Navy,” Bard said.

Bard recalled how a young lieutenant Minton drove a transport boat to the beach during a bloody battle in the Pacific during World War II and how that affected him.

After the war, Minton returned home and received his master’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 1947 and his doctorate from Vanderbilt University in 1957.

It would take too long to list all Minton’s accomplishments, but what should be known is that he was a wonderful man who deeply cared for others and dedicated his life to this country, to those he educated and to his family. We can only imagine how special a moment it must have been on Friday for Minton when his son, John Minton Jr., become the chief justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court.

Our hearts go out to the Minton family and all of Minton’s friends for losing a true gentlemen who gave so much of himself to his country, his community, his family and Western Kentucky University.