MAGOFFIN COUNTY – Last month ceremonial road dedications honoring fallen soldiers from Magoffin County were held, remembering the lives and sacrifices of two local World War II heroes.
The following resolutions were read at their respective road dedications, naming portions of Magoffin County roads after the two soldiers.
MAGOFFIN COUNTY FISCAL COURT RESOLUTION
Honoring Private First-Class Lowell J. Estep
A RESOLUTION HONORING PRIVATE FIRST-CLASS LOWELL J. ESTEP AND DESIGNATING A PORTION OF LACEY CREEK IN HIS MEMORY
WHEREAS, the Magoffin County Fiscal Court desires to formally recognize and honor the distinguished service, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice of Private First-Class Lowell J. Estep, a native son of Magoffin County who gave his life in defense of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Lowell J. Estep was born on October 14, 1925, in Magoffin County, Kentucky, and faithfully answered his nation’s call by enlisting in the United States Army on February 4, 1933; and
WHEREAS, PFC Estep completed basic training at Camp Fannin, Texas, followed by advanced training in New York and North Carolina, before being deployed to Belgium and assigned to the 7th Armored Division during World War II; and
WHEREAS, during one of the fierce engagements to hold St. Vith, Private First-Class Lowell J. Estep was killed in action on January 30, 1945, giving his life in service to his country and in defense of freedom; and
WHEREAS, PFC Estep was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and numerous other commendations recognizing his valor and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, although he did not return home to share his experiences with family and friends, PFC Estep now rests in honored peace at the Estep and Meade Cemetery, Browns Fork, Lacey Creek, Kentucky, entrusted to the care of the Supreme Commander; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the people of Magoffin County forever remember and honor the life, service, and sacrifice of Private First-Class Estep;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAGOFFIN COUNTY FISCAL COURT that the portion of Lacey Creek from mile-point 0.00 to mile-point 2.642 shall be, and hereby is, officially designated as Private First-Class Lowell J. Estep Memorial Road.
Adopted this 16th day of June 2026.
Signed:
Donald W. McFarland, Magoffin County Judge/Executive
Darrel Howard, Magistrate District 1
Eddie Jenkins, Magistrate District 2
Sam Bailey Jr., Magistrate District 3
Attest: Renee Arnett Shepherd, Magoffin County Clerk
MAGOFFIN COUNTY FISCAL COURT RESOLUTION
Honoring Private First-Class J.C. Meade
A RESOLUTION HONORING PRIVATE FIRST-CLASS J.C. MEADE AND DESIGNATING A PORTION OF LACEY CREEK IN HIS MEMORY
WHEREAS, the Magoffin County Fiscal Court wishes to recognize the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices made by Private First-Class J.C. Meade in service to his Country; and
WHEREAS, J.C. Meade was born on September 26, 1925, at Browns Fork of Lacey in Salyersville, Kentucky; and
WHEREAS, PFC Meade enlisted in the United States Army in early 1943. Shortly after completing infantry training, he was deployed to Europe to participate in the war efforts of the United States and its allies. PFC Meade was attached to the 3rd Army, which advanced across the Rhine River toward Berlin. As Berlin became surrounded, German forces offered fierce resistance. During this campaign, a group of enemy snipers had taken refuge in a heavily damaged castle. PFC Meade and members of his unit moved in to neutralize the threat. Upon entering the structure, PFC Meade stepped on live electrical wires and was tragically electrocuted, giving his life in the line of duty. Through the heroic actions of PFC Meade and his fellow soldiers, the snipers were eliminated. The Battle of Berlin marked the final major campaign of the European Theatre of World War II; and
WHEREAS, Private First-Class Meade was awarded the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and numerous other commendations for his bravery and service; and
WHEREAS, PFC Meade did not return home to share his experiences with loved ones and friends. He was killed in action on October 29, 1945, and now rests in peaceful sleep in the hands of the Supreme Commander. He is buried at the Estep and Meade Cemetery in Browns Fork, Lacey, Kentucky;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the section of roadway on Lacey Creek, Kentucky, from mile-point 2.643 to mile-point 3.571, be forever designated as Private First-Class J.C. Meade Memorial Road in honor or his courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy.
Adopted this 16th day of June 2026.
Signed:
Donald W. McFarland, Magoffin County Judge/Executive
Darrel Howard, Magistrate District 1
Eddie Jenkins, Magistrate District 2
Sam Bailey Jr., Magistrate District 3
Attest: Renee Arnett Shepherd, Magoffin County Clerk
