Former state Rep. Brent Yonts passes away from COVID-19

GREENVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – Former state Rep. Brent Yonts has died from a breakthrough case of COVID-19.

Yonts, 72, of Greenville represented District 15 from 1997 to 2016, which covers areas of Western Kentucky.

State government officials are offering their sentiments on the former representatives passing.

House Democratic Leaders Joni Jenkins, Derrick Graham and Angie Hatton said, “We mourn the passing of Brent Yonts, our great friend and former caucus colleague, and pray for his family and those close to him.  Brent served his House district and all of Kentucky with distinction for two decades, establishing a long record of accomplishments that will benefit the commonwealth for many years to come.  He also did a phenomenal job chairing the House State Government Committee, where he helped guide several critical laws strengthening our public retirement systems.

“On a more personal level, those of us who knew him will never forget his warmth and kindness, his commitment to making Kentucky an even better place to live, and of course his colorful jackets and a legislative office that was as much a museum as it was a place to work.

“On his behalf, we urge eligible Kentuckians to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if they have not yet and to take whatever other steps are necessary to put this terrible pandemic behind us.  The virus has taken so much from so many, and the breakthrough case of Brent, who was vaccinated, is another tragic example of that.”

In a post on Facebook, Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge said, “The Kentucky Democratic Party is devastated by the sudden loss of former State Representative Brent Yonts. Representative Yonts was a dedicated public servant, who loved his family, community, west Kentucky, and our commonwealth. Brent will forever be remembered for his colorful sport jackets, his tireless support of Labor, his hard work on tough subjects — like criminal justice, pension reforms, mine safety and rural water access — and his desire to make Kentucky a better place. We have not only lost a good Democrat, but an even better person, and I, like so many, have lost a friend and mentor. Our sympathy and prayers are with his wife Janice, children Ellen, Emily, and Harrison, his grandchildren, and all who loved him. We are a better Kentucky for Brent’s service and are forever thankful for the Yonts family for sharing him with us.”

“Our prayers are with the Yonts family as they grieve the loss of their husband, father, and friend. We hope they are able to find comfort in his many accomplishments and the knowledge that Kentucky is a better place because of his service,” said House Speaker David Osborne. “Brent Yonts was a respected colleague who made many friends while serving in the Kentucky House of Representatives. He was well-known for his colorful attire and clever wit, but the true hallmark of his character was his devotion to his family. May God be with them as they celebrate his life.”