Veterans Ernest Lane, Jr., Wand B. Doyle Honored With County Road Dedications

A scene from today's veteran road dedication for LTC Ernest E. Lane Jr. and Coxswain Wand B. Doyle.

Road signs to be installed at the dedicated roads.

Peytin Manor, story and photos:
Two Edmonson County veterans were honored Saturday, August 22nd, as community members gathered at Kyrock Elementary for a memorial road dedication ceremony recognizing the lives and service of Coxswain Wand B. Doyle and Ernest E. Lane Jr..
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The ceremony was held at Kyrock Elementary as a result of both veterans' connection to the Kyrock community. Doyle grew up in the Kyrock Road community, where he graduated from the former Kyrock High School in 1938. Lane grew up in the Old Kyrock Road community, where he also graduated from the Kyrock High School in 1941.

As part of the dedication, Kyrock Road will be dedicated in honor of Wand B. Doyle, while Old Kyrock Road will be dedicated in honor of LTC Ernest E. Lane Jr. The two dedications mark the eighth and ninth roads dedicated to veterans in Edmonson County.

The ceremony included remarks from many local officials, military representatives, family members, and community members. The program began with an introduction by Gerald Carroll, followed by the presentation of the U.S. flag by members of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jack Hasty, followed by the national anthem and invocation.

Guest speakers included Superintendent Brian Alexander, Representative Michael Meredith, Circuit Court Judge J.B. Hines, and Edmonson County Judge Executive Scott Lindsey.

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Rep. Michael Meredith.

Becky Goad, niece of Edward Lane, Jr..

Renee Rich and Donald McCombs sang “Precious Memories.”

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​​Representative Michael Meredith emphasized the importance of remembering those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

“It truly is a service for some very special people from our community intertwined with the history of our country. If it weren’t for those men who volunteered and served and made the ultimate sacrifice, we would not have the country we have today. I am proud Edmonson County will continue to honor these men and for continuing to keep their memory alive.”

Judge Executive Scott Lindsey also spoke about the significance of permanently honoring the two veterans in the community they once called home.

“Today, we dedicate two roads in honor of two men who answered their nation’s call in two different wars. Both fled their homes and families to serve the United States of America and both made the ultimate sacrifice in that service. Today, we make sure their names and their sacrifices remain a permanent part of the community they call home.”

The ceremony also included remarks from Greg Hudson, President of the Edmonson County Historical Society and retired U.S Marine Corps. 

Ernest E. Lane Jr.’s niece, Becky Goad, shared personal stories and memories of her uncle, while retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel John E. Vincent spoke in remembrance of both Doyle and Lane. 

Lieutenant Colonel John E. Vincent (ret). speaks at today's event.

Class banner hanging in the rafters at Kyrock Elementary.

Class banner hanging in the rafters at Kyrock Elementary.

A tribute on display at today's ceremony.

Gerald Carroll speaks at today's event.

Scene from today's veteran road dedication.

​The ceremony concluded with a series of solemn tributes honoring the two veterans. Renee Rich and Donald McCombs sang “Precious Memories,” followed by the Seven Solemn Tolls delivered by Gerald Carroll. Dathen Janes, an active-duty service member, rang the bell during the tolls. The playing of “Taps” was by Benny Durbin, a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV.

Through the dedication of Kyrock Road and Old Kyrock Road, the names and legacies of Wand B. Doyle and LTC Ernest E. Lane Jr. will remain a permanent part of the Edmonson County community.