Community pays respects to Licking Mayor Keith Cantrell

By Shari Harris, Publisher

On Friday, January 24, Licking Mayor Keith Cantrell’s family, friends and community came together to honor his memory and his decades of service to the town he loved.

Mayor Cantrell passed away on Tuesday, January 21. A three-hour visitation was held prior to his funeral service on Friday to allow all who wished to pay their respects to be able to do so. A wreath was placed before City Hall, and an Intercounty Electric bucket truck suspended a U.S. flag near the door of Fox Funeral Home in his honor. Matching shirts identified the members of Intercounty Electric who were there to pay last respects. City employees and aldermen dressed in vests and matching shirts and entered together. City police officers were in their best uniforms. The City and Rural Fire departments were also dressed to match.

Pastor Gary Parker and Dr. Max Burkhead officiated the service, and a eulogy was given by Licking Chief of Police Pat Burton.

Pall bearers were Lynn Pursifull, Heath Cantrell, Lonnie Ward, Brian Algire, Gary Cook and Ronnie Lewis. Honorary bearers included Fred Moncrief, Charles Smith, Jerry Wampner, the City of Licking Aldermen, the City of Licking Police Department and the City of Licking Office and Maintenance staff.

The procession to Boone Creek Cemetery was led by the fire department, police department and city employees and officials. Intercounty Electric trucks were scattered along the route to ensure safe passage for the Mayor’s final journey.

Mayor Cantrell’s legacy of service began as a member of the Army National Guard. He also served for a time as a reserve police officer for the City of Licking. During his 26 years with Intercounty Electric, he served his community by doing his part to keep the electric flowing, no matter the weather. He served several years as a City Alderman before taking a break from city government. In 2015 he returned to the City as Mayor, and remained there until his passing.

During his tenure as mayor, Cantrell oversaw many projects that have benefitted or will benefit the community and its citizens. Some of these include the current potable water project (citizens will see increasing activity related to it beginning this week); the waste water project (which has begun); the lead-line water project; the installation of larger culverts on North Main Street to reduce flooding; the creation of a new pavilion at the Old City Park by Intercounty Electric; the new TCMH Family Clinic; updates to Hickory Manor nursing home; and upgrades to equipment and machinery for the Police Department, the Fire Department, the utilities and roads department, and more. All of these projects required a team to make them happen, and Mayor Cantrell was known to support those he worked alongside, gaining their respect and earning their dedication to get the job done.