BATH CO., Ky. (LEX 18) — A longtime member of several law enforcement agencies in Bath County died over the weekend.

During his decades-long career, Wes Everman served as a chief deputy on the police force, the fire department, and most recently the sheriff’s office.

“I loved her to death and I know she loved me too,” said her cousin Jimmy Everman. “I would do anything in the world for him, and he would do anything for me.”

A monument featuring a sheriff’s vehicle is displayed in Everman’s memory outside the funeral home in Owingsville.

Ellen Ice / LEX18

“He wasn’t the type of cop who would put you in jail just because he could; all these little kids looked up to him,” Everman said. “If he could save someone who had a mission and you never know, he would have them thrown in jail.”

Everman was a father of three children and had grandchildren. A parade passed through Owingsville on Sunday.

The sheriff’s office says Everman reported the burglary Saturday morning. A few hours after returning home, his cousin said Everman had died of a heart attack.

“He loved the community and the people,” Everman said. “They will miss him so much.”

Chief Deputy Everman will be buried Thursday in Bath County. The school district canceled classes because his funeral was to be held at the county high school auditorium. It is open to the public.