Hurt: Yonts was 'a model citizen'

EDITOR'S NOTE: Former state representative Brent Yonts of Greenville died today. A Democrat, he was 72. Click here to read "Former Kentucky state rep dies from COVID-19. He was fully vaccinated, loved ones say," a story published in the Louisville Courier-Journal today. 

By DANIEL HURT, 2017 state AFL-CIO Labor Youth Award recipient.

Brent Yonts was the exemplification of what it means to be a model citizen. He worked hard, got an education, served his country, had a successful legal career and a loving family and was an outstanding father. He also gave back to his community over the years as a leader and public servant, most notably while serving as a state representative.

He had a great sense of humor and was always one of my favorite people to visit when I was in Frankfort. I first met Brent when visiting the Capitol in 2012. He stood out compared to all of the others — and I know you know why — his bright-colored wardrobe stole the show from everybody else’s black, navy and gray.

But he stood out for another reason too. He was a true servant of his constituents; it is certainly not hard to see the positive change he has effected in his legislative district, but it’s not just the public stuff that matters. The fact that when people called, Brent picked up the phone. It wasn’t about party, it was about people’s lives. People liked him. I think he was always conscious of the fact that everybody matters and nobody is better than anybody else, and no office or position of power made you exempt.

Brent Yonts was truly a faithful and humble servant to his family, his friends, and the community. It has been said that the role of public servant is the highest and most honorable profession, and Brent Yonts was certainly that.