Celebrating the life and legacy of Mr. Western

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- This Sunday, hundreds of friends, family and community members came by the Jim and Eva Martin’s Alumni Center to celebrate the late Lee Robertson, better known as Mr. Western.

After servicing our community for decades, Lee Roberston passed away on Wednesday, July 3 of this year.

Robertson held many positions in the south-central Kentucky community, graduating from WKU in 1950, serving in the U.S. Army’s 44th tank battalion in World War II, being the Barren County Schools superintendent, the first alumni director for WKU and many other roles.

Robertson was recognized in August of 2022 by WKU with the first Spirit of Western award, which recognizes an individual who has shown immense loyalty to the university and gives their all to the community.

News 40 has spoken with Mr. Western throughout the years, and he has shared a bit about his dedication to WKU.

Robertson said, “And you know what? I believe if it didn’t work out, we would be here. I think my nature was that people need to be around, and I would hate this for anybody like you just hanging on. And if I’m not productive, I don’t want to be here.”

We spoke with Anthony McAdoo, the executive director of the WKU Alumni Association, who had this to say about what Robertson meant for so many people, saying, “Everywhere you go, everywhere I go, Lee’s the number one person that people ask me about… so it’s that’s a combined love of WKU country, faith and family that really just kind of personified who Lee was and everyone that knew him also loved him for that and also takes a little bit from him in that regard.”

News 40 wants to thank Lee Robertson for his years of passion, love and dedication to our community.