Dale Burchett, Barren County’s first judge/executive, dies at age 88

GLASGOW, Ky. (WBKO) – Dale Burchett, a pioneer in Barren County judicial history and the county’s first judge/board member, has died at the age of 88. Burchett passed away on September 13, 2024 after a short illness.

Burchett’s public service began in 1966 when he was elected a judge of Glasgow City Court, also known as the “police court.” These courts dealt with minor offences such as road traffic offences and misdemeanors.

In 1970, Burchett was elected Barren County Judge, a position at the time that combined judicial and executive powers, handling financial matters and overseeing legal matters at the county level.

However, a significant change to Kentucky’s judicial system was on the horizon.

In 1975, the state changed its constitution to separate the judicial and executive duties of district judges.

Thus, a new office of judge/chairwoman of the district council was created.

“The biggest change in the judicial rule amendment is in the lower courts, where new district courts would replace the overlapping judicial powers of circuit judges, quarter courts, justices of the peace and police courts in incorporated cities, and juvenile, probate and domestic relations courts in some larger counties,” according to a 1975 article in The Courier Journal.

In 1978, Burchett became the first person to hold the newly created position of Barren County Judge/President.

His leadership came at a turning point as his responsibilities were redefined to focus on financial management and administrative oversight of the county’s operations rather than judicial duties.

In addition to his public service, Burchett founded a private law firm in 1969.

His law firm still operates under the supervision of his children.

Burchett was born and raised on a small farm in Gulnare, Kentucky, in Pike County. He attended the University of Kentucky and then served two years in the U.S. Army in Alaska.

He returned to Kentucky to earn a law degree from the University of Kentucky School of Law. He was a member of the school’s mock trial team that reached the national finals in 1959.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Glasgow. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, September 20, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home in Glasgow, with an additional visitation at the church beginning at 12:00 PM on Saturday.