Edward Stein

STEIN Edward, 85, well known Restaurateur, real estate developer and entrepreneur passed away on Sat Aug 25, 2007 peacefully at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. At his passing he was surrounded by his loving children and caregivers. He was born April 15, 1922, the son of the late Abraham and Jennie Stein. Mr. Stein was a native of Lexington and graduated from Henry Clay High School, having attended Lafayette and the University of Kentucky. He served his country during World War Two in the elite Army Rangers. "Colonel Ed" was the owner and operator of many restaurants in the Lexington area including the Trot Inn, the Little Colonel, Colonel Ed's on East Main Street (across from Henry Clay High School), Kentucky Colonel Barbecue of Beuchel, Kentucky, Kentucky Colonel Barbecue Drive In on South Broadway and, with his family, "803 South". He was the founder of the Kentucky Colonel Barbecue wholesale manufacturing plant and distributorship, selling his trademark barbecue meats, sauces, mixes and chili throughout the world. Mr. Stein holds a patent on his invention of a state-of-the-art commercial barbecue oven. He was a co-founder of the Bluegrass Restaurant Association, serving as its President. He was a founding member of the Kentucky Restaurant Association on whose board he served for many years. He formed the original Lexington Tavern Operators Association and was a long-time member of both Toastmasters and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. He was a long-time board member and former President of Ohavay Zion Synagogue. Mr. Stein was well known throughout Central Kentucky for his talent for dancing and was a 'dance starter' at the old Joyland Park for such big bands as Tommy Dorsey and Doris Day. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Ann and his sister, Gertrude (Gay) Dressler. Mr. Stein is survived by five children, Alan (Kathy), Teri (Len) Harper, Caryn (Toby) Hoffman of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Robbie (Shelly) and Ricki (Doug) Harrison; a brother. Dr. Leon (Ilse) Stein of Dayton, Ohio, a brother and sister-in-law, Sonny and Barbara Altman of Louisville, KY and grandchildren Justin, Len, Drew, Travis, Jennifer, Wade, Scooter (Edward), Hadley, and Craig. Visitation will be observed by the family at Milward's Funeral Home on North Broadway on Mon Aug 27 from 4-7pm. Funeral services will be held on Tue Aug 28 at 11am at Milward's with Rabbi Sharon Cohen officiating. Burial will follow at the Lexington Cemetery. Colonel Ed's grandsons will serve as pallbearers along with his nephews, Dr. Alvin Stein and Billy Altman. Honorary pallbearers are Manuel Singer, Erle Levy, Dr. Billy Forbess and Stewart Smith. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions can be made to the Ohavay Zion Synagogue building fund, Hospice of the Bluegrass, or the Laurie Altman Kupferman fund, c/o Jewish Hospital, Louisville, KY. www.milwardfuneral.com