Lee Robertson. Photo courtesy of WKU Alumni Association.
By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
The memorial service of former Barren County School District Superintendent, and life-long supporter of Western Kentucky University, June Lee “Mr. Western” Robertson’s memorial service has been set for Sunday, July 28 at 2 p.m.
Born June 16, 1922 in Calhoun, Kentucky, Robertson died at the age of 102 on July 3, 2024 after spending roughly 77 years for the Bowling Green university — his “love affair” as he referred to it — in addition to serving as a teacher and coach at Park City High School in 1950 and Barren County Schools Superintendent from 1958 to 1960.
In August 2002 he was the first recipient of the university’s Spirit of Western Award where he was publically dubbed Mr. Western.
“The passing of ‘Mr. Western’ is a tremendous loss for our WKU Family,” said WKU President Timothy C. Caboni. “Through his personal care and intentional connection, Lee touched, and many times transformed, the lives of countless individuals during his 77 years serving WKU. He demonstrated profound affection for his beloved alma mater, embodying our motto, ‘The Spirit Makes the Master,’ like no one else.”
“For more than seven decades, Lee fostered thousands of relationships, and he was one of our most beloved Hilltoppers,” Amanda Trabue, vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement, said. “No matter what may have been going on, he always said each day was ‘the best day I’ve ever had’ and he inspired all those he met to represent the University in the best way we could. I know we will miss him on the Hill, but his love for WKU will live on.”
Robertson also is immortalized by a bronze statue which stands guard outside of the Robertson Hall in the Eva and Jim Martens Alumni Center and by the Lee Robertson Scholarship, which gives to “a WKU junior who has made an outstanding commitment to being a Hilltopper.”
His memorial service is scheduled for July 28 at the State Street United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. before a “celebratory gathering” at the alumni center at 3:30 p.m.
Robertson’s full obituary can be viewed here.
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