One of Whitley County’s longest serving constables passed away Saturday.
Lonnie Lee Foley served as First-District Constable for over 30 years and a U.S. Army veteran. In addition, he was previously a devoted employee of the Whitley County Board of Education where he served faithfully as a security office for over 39 years.
His dedication to public safety also extended to his roles with the Whitley County Sheriff’s Office and the Williamsburg Police Department.
“Lonnie Foley was the longest serving constable, and a well-loved representative of our community. He will be sorely missed,” said Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. “I would like to just offer my condolences to the family. I would reiterate how much this county is going to miss Mr. Foley.”
Whitley County Clerk Carolyn Williz echoed similar sentiments noting what a great person Foley was.
“He was the most calm, pleasant super guy. I just hate so bad this happened,” Willis said.
Foley is survived by his children, Sharon Foley, Dennis Foley, Donnie Foley, and Raymond Duane Foley, and he was a proud grandfather to Ethan Ray, Dakota Lee, Elijah Howard, Ava Jean, and Timothy Wayne Foley. He was also survived by two daughters-in-law, his sisters and beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 29, at New Zion Baptist Church, where he was a cherished member, with the funeral following at 3 p.m. at the same location.
Foley’s current term in office as constable expires at the end of this year. He was the only candidate that filed to run for First-District Constable for a four-year term starting Jan. 1, 2027, and the deadline to file as a candidate in that race has expired.
White is expected to appoint a replacement to fill out the remainder of Foley’s current term in office. Whitley County officials are researching to determine the exact procedures for filling the First-District Constable position starting next year.
