Obituaries

Wayne Meece, 79, a resident of Shady Nook Care Center and formerly of Hebron, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospice Center in Edgewood with his family by his side.

Wayne was born on March 27, 1946, to Jackson and Aileen Meece in Somerset, KY, where he was raised and met the love of his life, Connie, who he was married to for over 30 years before her passing. He retired from Jergens, Inc., where he worked as a chemical operator. A devoted man of faith, he was a longtime member of Florence Baptist Temple, where he served as a Sunday School teacher for 30 years and was actively involved in the Awana Club. Teaching and encouraging others came naturally to Wayne, and his life was marked by quiet service and generosity. He loved helping people and often found ways to give anonymously, never seeking recognition.

Wayne was blessed with a strong singing voice and a deep love for gospel music. He was also an avid University of Kentucky fan and enjoyed listening to the Bee Gees. Wayne had a true passion for plants and horticulture—especially tropical plants. He took great joy in gardening and working on family projects, including building waterfalls at each home he lived in. One of his favorite traditions was traveling to Clearwater Beach, where he enjoyed finding new tropical plants to bring home and nurture.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Connie Meece; parents, Jackson and Aileen Meece; and sister, Elaine Peavley.

Wayne is survived by his children: Rodney (Michelle) Luttrell, Kristi (Jeff) Sullivan and Kim (Les) Kovach; grandchildren: Alex, Austin, Daulton, Tyler, Trent, Kamie, Klarissa, Kayla and Angel; great-grandchildren: Emily, Keyla, Gage, Shaelynn, Malachi and Canaan; great-great-grandchildren: Hosea, Adalynn, Atlas, Kingston and Archer; siblings: Darlene (late Roy) Hayes; Phyllis (Gene) Goff, Pam (David) Lewis, Bruce (Donna) Meece, Mike (Camie) Meece, Bill (Sheila) Meece and Jenell (Jim) Diepeveen; sister-in-law, Jill Hart; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 12:00 PM until the time of funeral service at 2:00 PM at Florence Baptist Temple, 1898 Old Florence Pike, Burlington, KY 41005. Burial will immediately follow at Burlington Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Florence Baptist Temple Building Fund, 1898 Old Florence Pike, Burlington, KY 41005.