Martin judge-executive dies after battle with cancer

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

LOVELY — Martin County Judge-Executive William Victor Slone, 57, of Lovely, lost his battle with cancer on Jan. 2.

Slone is survived by his wife, Marlena; his father, Archie Slone; two sons, Jarrod and Cody Slone; a grandson, Hudson Slone; a brother, Ricky Slone; and numerous other family members.

Slone, a District 5 magistrate at the time, was appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear on April 6, 2021, to fill the unexpired term of former Martin County Judge-Executive William Davis, who officially resigned on March 26. Slone was officially sworn in on May 9.

Slone had planned to seek a full four-year term as judge, but he announced in December that he would not seek another term due to illness and that he would strive to complete the term to which he was appointed.

Slone issued an announcement on Dec. 8, letting the citizens of Martin County know his intentions.

“To My Fellow Martin Countians:

“I wanted to take a moment to inform you of a decision I have made.

“As many of you know, I was diagnosed with cancer several years ago. Until recently, I have done well managing this disease, but over the last few weeks, my health has begun to deteriorate.

“After talking with my family and weighing all the options, I have decided that I will not seek election for the office of Martin County Judge/Executive.

“This is not a decision I have made lightly or rashly, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who has supported me over the years.

“It has always been and continues to be my fervent belief that Martin County’s best days are ahead of us. To that end, I have worked diligently to build a foundation for those who come after me. I have always based my actions on the hope that Martin County will be a place that our children and grandchildren can live and work.

“With your support, I have accomplished a great deal and am proud of the work I have done on your behalf.

“To all who have supported my ideas and vision for our community, I remind you that the work is never finished, and you must continue to push hard for progress and the things we deserve. I urge you to support our elected leaders with compassion and understanding.

“It is the honor of my life to serve as Martin County Judge/Executive, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this privilege.

“I ask for your continued prayers for me, Marlena, Jarrod, Taylor, Cody, Micah, little Hudson, and my dad Archie as I work to finish this term. Thank you,” Slone said in the release.

Slone’s term was scheduled to last until December 2022.

Slone “loved Martin County and its people,” according to his obituary.

“You would be hard pressed to find anyone who loved his county more than Victor,” the obituary says. “His entire life’s work is a testament to the love he had for his home. He dedicated his entire life to his community, both in the classroom and as a public servant. Victor had the same philosophy in teaching that he had in politics, building relationships is the key. As a teacher and coach, Victor took the time to connect with his students. He genuinely cared for each and every student and wanted them to succeed not only in the classroom, but in life in general. If a student or player had a need, Victor would find a way to help them fulfill it.”

As a magistrate and then as judge, Slone “worked tirelessly to build relationships with people all across Kentucky in order to fulfill his vision for his beloved home,” the obituary says.

“Victor firmly believed that Martin County’s best days are ahead,” the obituary says. “Every decision he made was based upon the hope and belief that Martin County would be a place where our children and grandchildren could live and work. Victor spent decades working to create ATV trails and promote adventure tourism as a viable industry in Martin County and Eastern Kentucky.”

He also “worked diligently on advancing infrastructure in our community by promoting expansion of broadband capabilities and earmarking federal money for the water system.”

“Victor was a remarkable visionary, fearless advocate and compassionate leader,” the obituary says. “In everything he did, he had a huge smile on his face and he had joy in his heart. Even during illness, Victor was championing the future of Martin County. As he reminded us just a few weeks ago, ‘the work is never finished, and you must continue to push hard for progress and the things we deserve.’”

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Crum Funeral Home with Lonnie Smith and Dwayne Mills officiating. Burial will be in Mountain Valley Memorial Garden on Coldwater. Arrangements are under the direction of Crum Funeral Home of Inez.