Harold Gene Ledford

Harold Gene Ledford, 80, of Slade, Kentucky, widower of Fran Ledford, passed away peacefully at Clark Regional Medical Center on Saturday, August 17, 2024, with his family by his side. He was born on September 3, 1943 in Stanton, Kentucky to the late Courtney and Anna Belle McKenzie Ledford. Gene was a lineman for East Kentucky Power Cooperative, working tirelessly alongside his crew members to build and repair electric lines all over the state, keeping the lights on for millions of Kentuckians. In more recent years, he could often be found at Bruen’s Restaurant in Stanton, where he was a regular fixture. Gene was known as a man who knew everyone, and it seemed everyone knew him. To his family and friends, he was the guy who could make or fix virtually anything. Always ready with a warm smile and a greeting of “howdy,” he knew no strangers. A devoted family man, Gene will be dearly missed by his beloved daughters, Jennifer Ann (Pete) Koutoulas of Winchester and Stacy Lynn (Shane) Southwood of Paris. Others surviving him and mourning his loss include his grandsons, Nicholas Koutoulas and Timothy (Amanda) Koutoulas, both of Winchester; granddaughters Emily Southwood, serving in the US Air Force, and Erin Southwood of Paris; and one great grandson, Connor Koutoulas of Winchester. He is also survived by his brothers, Ira Ledford of Winchester and Trulan Ledford (Barbara) of Stanton; and a sister, Ruth Ledford Johnson of Winchester; he also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends to mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Fran Catron Ledford; his parents Courtney and Anna Belle Ledford; his brothers, Lawrence Ledford, Carl Ledford, Courtney Ledford Jr., and Truman Ledford; and his sisters, Beulah Ledford Toombs, Bonnie Ledford DeLong, Sylvia Ledford Frost, and Dorothy Ledford Rose. A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at Wells Funeral Home in Stanton on Thursday, August 22, at 11 AM, with visitation from 6 to 8 PM on Wednesday, August 21. Officiating will be Rev. Jeff Gaines. Pallbearers will include Jansen Ledford, Steve Koutoulas, Greg Southwood, Nicholas Koutoulas, Tim Koutoulas, and Emily Southwood. Honorary pallbearers include Gerald and Ruth Meadows, Steve Ledford, Cynthia McDaniel, Devona Ledford, and the staff at Bruen’s Restaurant. Burial will follow the service at the Ledford Cemetery in Pine Ridge, Kentucky.

Harold Gene Ledford

September 3, 1943 - August 17, 2024