Earl Martin McKigney

Earl Martin McKigney (1955-2025)

Earl Martin McKigney, 70, passed away peacefully at home on September 22nd, 2025 surrounded by his wife, Nancy, and son, Ryan.



He was born on September 18th, 1955 in Frankfort, Kentucky to Jack McKigney and Rosemary McKigney, and grew to love playing baseball. Earl attended Franklin County High School where he played catcher for his high school team. Earl also went on to study criminal justice at Kentucky State University and played in the 1975 College World Series with Kentucky State University taking third place. After graduating, Earl followed in his father's footsteps and became a police officer for the Lexington Police Department.

Earl was proud of his long career in law enforcement, spanning nearly 40 years in total. He started as a Police Officer with the Lexington Police Department before becoming a Detective, and worked numerous cases spanning from vice to narcotics, several undercover operations, and some state and local task forces. After seven and a half years, Earl moved to the Drug Enforcement Administration. With the DEA, Earl spent 18 years combatting drug manufacturing and trafficking in domestic operations. He was also a founding member of the Lexington Field Office and eventually promoted all the way to Headquarters in Washington D.C. Earl finished his time with DEA as the Section Chief of Local Task Forces and Marijuana Eradication. In 2004, Earl transferred to the Federal Air Marshals where he would work the final 14 years of his law enforcement career before retiring in 2017.

Earl worked at the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington DC during his retirement. He happily welcomed officers from across the country and members of the public to experience unique exhibits and simulators. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Coordinator honoring those lost in the line of duty. His dedication to his vocation never faltered, even in retirement. Earl also volunteered at the Hendon Centennial Golf Course, but really, that was just an excuse to get to play more golf.

Earl met his beloved, Nancy in 1975 . Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in July 22, 1978.

Earl and Nancy were blessed with one son, Ryan Earl, and nothing was more important to him. He also had great love for his dogs over the years, and loved to spend time with his Granddog Lilo.

Everyone who knew Earl knew how much he loved all sports. Kentucky basketball in the spring, Reds baseball in the summer, Steelers football in the fall, and Redwings hockey in the winter. March Madness brackets were a requirement every year, and not a Saturday was missed when college football was on. He loved watching golf tournaments. Stayed active in his retirement.

Earl is lovingly remembered for his mentorship of others and the way he always provided a sympathetic ear. We couldn't have asked for a better husband and father, and will miss him every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him.



Earl was preceded in death by his parents Jack McKigney, Rosemary McKigney, Stepmother Peggy Shields, brother Jack McKigney, brother-in-law Alex Smith. He is survived by his wife Nancy McKigney, son Ryan McKigney, daughter-in-law Sylvia Fernandes, sister Audrey Smith, brother-in-law Richard "Dick" Cobb, niece Alexis (Colton)Palmer, nephew Aden Smith, and niece Jessica McKigney.



Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 1st at 2pm. 245 West Main Street in Frankfort, KY near the House of Commons Bourbon Library. The casting ceremony to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Lexington Police Foundation, Lexington, KY, DEA Survivors Benefit Fund, Washington, DC, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Washington D.C.