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BRIDGE KY COMMUNITY TRIBUTE
In honor of those who have helped to make Glasgow and Barren County what it is today, The Foros Project & Bridge KY offers these tributes. May the generations that are and those that are to come be reminded of the examples of selflessness, sacrifice, and servanthood that so many have set, and may they be challenged to do the same. If you are interested in speaking to The Foros Project about developing a tribute, please contact us.
DALTON BISHOP
Who would you go to in times of need? A friend, a confidant? Dalton Bishop was exactly that to many people he encountered in his short life. He was a ray of sunshine and a ball of energy who touched the lives of everyone he was around. His family and his friends were his hobbies and his passion. He was so proud to escort a lovely young lady with Down’s Syndrome to both her junior and senior proms. She said he made her feel like a princess. He loved her so much. Dalton valued hard work. He had his own mowing business. He also worked at Kobe Aluminum in Bowling Green, KY. Dalton died from Fentanyl poisoning on November 20, 2020. Fentanyl has rapidly become the number one killer for adolescents and young adults. His family reached out to their local state representatives and with their help and guidance, Dalton’s Law was passed in the spring of 2022. Dalton’s Law mandates fentanyl traffickers to serve 80% of their sentence. No parole/no early release in hopes that this will keep these drug dealers off of the streets and behind bars. He was a strong Christian and had a faith that carried him through many of his struggles. His legacy is described perfectly by the Bible verse from Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me.” There is a “Dalton Bishop - The Least of These” fund set up at First United Methodist Church in Glasgow, KY in his memory. These funds help various non profit organizations. One example of how these funds assist youth is for the local elementary schools to use for the purchase of clothing and toys for Christmas. The lyrics of one of his favorite songs, “There Was Jesus,” by Zach Williams shows how Dalton lived his life. “For this man who needs an amazing kind of grace. For forgiveness at a price I couldn't pay. I'm not perfect so I thank God every day. There was Jesus.”
JACKIE BROWNING
The phrase, “To Infinity and Beyond,” made popular by the Disney movie, “Toy Story,” isn’t just for movie superheroes. Real life superheroes, such as Jackie Browning, have a lasting impact on all who knew and loved them. Jackie’s only daughter, Erica, said that her dad went above and beyond for his family. He didn’t do it because he had to, but because he wanted to. Jackie Browning was best known throughout his community by his accomplished career with FRECC (Farmers Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation). Many accolades were given to Jackie during his impressive career. He was an engineer with titles such as CEO and a director of many boards. Jackie was also the leader of recreational sports for the county’s children. He was the little league president for many years. He even coached little league when he had no children of his own playing. Through his hard work, the little league football field was built. He would be humbled and honored to know that the park is named for him today. Being a community leader and innovator in his field was not his most important job. Jackie was first, and foremost, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. In this role, he took initiative. He just did things to help his wife and children to get things done, even if he felt like it wasn’t his job. He spent valuable time with his children because it was second nature to him. He was very considerate of his wife and children. He put their needs above his own. He wasn’t fond of beach vacations, but he went and put a smile on his face because it made his family happy. He took them fishing and knew they wouldn’t catch many, but he valued the quality time spent with them. Jackie was an involved father and grandfather. He knew about his children as much as his wife did. He took days off when they were sick, attended ball games, cheer competitions, and academic meets. When grandchildren came along, he supported them as much by attending their events. He had a very needy grandchild who cried all of the time or needed consoling. He did everything to make that baby happy. He vacuumed while he held him, put him on the swing set for hours, or pushed him in his toy car up and down the driveway. Anything to make him happy. Perseverance and dedication were, perhaps, two of his most endearing quantities. Not only did he work extra jobs throughout his children’s lives to provide for his family, by mowing substations on the weekends or doing extra electricity work on the side, but he finished his degree after marrying and having children to better his career to make a better life for his family. This proved him an admiral and loving role model of what a father should be to his own children. For the time Jackie Browning was on this earth, he radiated love and family to everyone around him. He always showed thanks to others for small gestures with hugs or saying, “Thank you.” He gave to others. Not for the glory or fame. He always wanted to remain anonymous in his giving. He loved his family with everything he had in him in both good times and bad. He showed up for his family until the week before he passed away by building a swing set for the grandchildren even when he maybe didn’t feel like it. No greater award can be given during life than that of a loving, grateful, considerate, respected, and dedicated father. Jackie Browning…….well done!
BOBBY "DOC" GUILFOIL
It’s a rare day that passes in which someone does not approach me with a story about my father being their vet. Both farmers and pet owners- they tell their stories- some with laughter some with tears. Even now, 11 years after he died. His community legacy is not in his family wealth (he didn’t have any) nor in his family name (he wasn’t from here). My parents moved here in 1964 without knowing anyone. My dad had accepted a one year position at the Glasgow Animal Clinic. His offer stated it would lead to a permanent job if his work and “public relations” were satisfactory. He passed that test and was a practicing veterinarian here for over 46 years. Both a large and small animal doctor, his clients were the animals. He knew that they didn’t keep “working hours” and made himself available 24/7. His work ethic was like no other I have witnessed- yet he still took time to be a husband and father, and a very involved community member. He was church Deacon, political party leader and yes, even the “dog catcher”. He was most proud of his 40 year service on and tenure as head of the Board of Health. ( I often wonder what he would have done with CoVid.) My dad was Bobby Guilfoil. If asked his “proper name”, he would say, “I’m just plain ol’ Bobby,” and there is no truer statement. That’s what made him special. Micah G. Guilfoil Payne
BUD LAYNE
Inventor. Giver. Supporter. Bud Layne has always been on the forefront of innovation. Whether it is a company or a new building or a culture of togetherness and family, Bud leaves a legacy for future generations. Bud is passionate about his work. He built Span Tech from the ground up, and nearly went broke a couple of times trying to build it. Even during these times of adversity, he leaves you with a good, lasting impression with confidence and high self esteem. His captivating speaking draws in his audience. His loyalty to his company and employees is evident in the family atmosphere he has created. In company meetings, he celebrates his employees. Through a volunteer program, the company’s employees go out and support their community and get involved in a charity of their choice. During the aftermath of a tornado, a group of Span Tech employees helped clear houses and trees from the destruction. When Bud isn’t in the office, he can be found playing golf, flying model airplanes, or oftentimes in his shop in his basement working on various projects and inventing new things and watching them in action. Bud is a giver to many causes in his community. Several years ago, he was riding a bus with several members of the Barren County ATC and the Barren County Superintendent, Bo Matthews en route to Frankfort to speak about the funding of technology centers in Kentucky. As they were riding and discussing their needs, he immediately says, “I have this piece of equipment that I am going to replace. You all can have the one we have now.” He has also had made many contributions to WKU, to the Boys and Girls Club when they moved into the new HERO center with a new kitchen, and to Brawa just to name a few. He’s even handed over a vehicle to someone who needed it. Pablo Picasso once said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Bud Layne has found his purpose.
HANK ROYSE
“And DOWN the stretch they come!” “NOTHING but the bottom of the net.” “HE COULD GO ALL THE WAY!” No professional announcer could have had a more exciting and enthusiastic rendition of the 1968 boys basketball state championship game than Henry H. “Hank” Royse. The Glasgow Scotties boy’s basketball team brought home the coveted trophy and Hank was the man who delivered it to all of the fans back home. Hank was the Voice Glasgow Scotties sports for 36 years. This was a time when radio coverage was the only way for fans to enjoy high school sports when not present at the games. He not only served his country, but he also served his community by being a familiar voice through the airwaves. Hank died in 1991 and the school board honored him by renaming their football field “Hank Royse” stadium. Dedication to his beloved career made Hank Royse a household name in Glasgow, Kentucky and his unwavering love for sports allowed future generations of Scotties to be proud of their tradition and spirit. G-H-S, G-H-S…GO BIG BLUE! Thanks, Hank, for the memories!!!
LUSKA TWYMAN
Many people have different names or titles throughout their lives. Luska Joseph Twyman was adorned with many. L.J., Curly Top, and Mayor were just a few affectionate names Luska had during his life. Luska had a difficult time obtaining an education. As a young, African American in the 1940’s, he grew up in the Hiseville community of Barren County, Kentucky. Blacks at that time could only attend school until approximately the sixth grade. With encouragement from his mother and other community members, including white friends, such as W. R. Jackson, Luska packed up and moved to Frankfort, KY, at the age of 13. He lived with his family and attained his high school diploma at KY State College and later earned his BS degree from Kentucky State University. He was definitely a man ahead of his time. He was always a person who looked for ways to bring people together. He was a bridge builder during the 1960’s by becoming the mayor of Glasgow, KY. He was the first black mayor of Kentucky and only the second black mayor east of Mississippi since the Civil War. He was one of the leaders who made the desegregation of the Glasgow Independent School district to go as smoothly as it did. Luska was also a leader in his church. He was a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and pianist for the senior choir at First Baptist Church. He served as the secretary for over 30 years of the Liberty District Association. William Twyman says he would not have become a teacher if it wasn’t for Luska. He says, “In the spring of 1977, I received a phone call from Luska asking me if I was tired of driving from Hiseville to Edmonton to teach. He offered me the opportunity to be a science teacher for Glasgow School system and I began in the fall of 1978.” Throughout all of his accomplishments in his life, trailblazer, pioneer, advocate, and professional should be added to his name.