KOLAN THOMAS MORELOCK

Kolan Thomas Morelock died on March 22, 2023 at age 77 at home after a long illness.

He is survived by Betsy, his wife of 55 years, his two daughters Wendy (John) Jegla, and Amy (Matt) DiLorenzo, his three grandchildren Dominic, Angelo, and Gianna DiLorenzo, and his nieces, nephew, in-laws, cousins, and good friends. He loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and all his family and friends with all his heart.

Born in Norton, Virginia to Maryrhea and Frank (Tommy) Morelock, he spent most of his life in Kentucky and was a long-time resident of Lexington.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents, Rhea and Mary Mullins, and Frank and Ruth Morelock.

In addition to a forty-year career as a professional social worker working with people experiencing mental illness and homelessness, he earned a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Education in 1999, and his book Taking the Town:  Collegiate and Community Culture in the Bluegrass, 1880-1917 was published by the University Press of Kentucky in 2008. Kolan enjoyed gardening, reading, fishing, and trips to the Smoky Mountains. He was a longtime friend of Bill W., and was of the Christian faith. Donations are suggested to Bluegrass Care Navigators https://www.bgcarenav.org/give

Visitation was held at Kerr Brothers, 463 E Main Street, Lexington on Sunday March 26th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., a memorial service followed with Gary Price officiating. A graveside service was held at Lexington Cemetery on Monday, March 27th at 1:00 p.m.  Honorary pallbearers were the Laid-Back Group.