Former state senator and representative C.B. Embry has passed away.
Embry just this week submitted his resignation to Senate President Robert Stivers for health reasons.
Embry, 81, who had been battling cancer, passed away late Thursday night. The news of Embry’s passing was first announced by state Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R- Hopkinsville, on Friday morning.
“I’ve learned this morning that my friend, Sen. CB Embry, passed away late last night,” Westerfield wrote on social media. “Please keep Wanda and her family in your prayers. CB was (a) good man, and a dedicated servant to his people to the very end.”
He was elected to the Kentucky House in 2002. The Republican was elected to a Senate seat in 2014 where he represented Ohio, Butler, Muhlenberg, and Hopkins counties.
Gov. Andy Beshear, saying he was “deeply saddened” by Embry’s death, commended the longtime lawmaker on his years of steadfast service to his constituents.
“He was loyal to the people of western Kentucky and his contribution to the legislature over the last 20 years is immeasurable; he will be greatly missed.”
Embry served on many committees during his eight years in the Kentucky Senate, including his last position as chair of the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee.
Earlier this year, Embry announced he would retire but he continued traveling to Frankfort while undergoing cancer treatment.
“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the commonwealth of Kentucky and the good of the people of District 6,” Embry said in his resignation letter. “During my time in the Senate, I can truly say that I and my colleagues worked each day to make Kentucky an even greater state.”
Before serving in the House and Senate, Embry served as mayor of Beaver Dam from 1970 until 1973 and was Ohio County judge-executive from 1982 until 1990.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
