John Allen Hackett

John Allen Hackett, 73, of Frankfort—known to many simply as “Hackett”— passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at the home he built for his family. Services will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Mr. Tim Sexton officiating. Burial will follow at Frankfort Cemetery. Visitation will be at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Hackett was born on August 26, 1952, in Frankfort to the late Allen and Juanita Hackett. A lifelong resident of Frankfort, Kentucky, he graduated from Frankfort High School, Class of 1970, and grew up attending First Baptist Church with his family. Hackett married the love of his life, Brenda, on August 23, 1986, and together they welcomed a daughter, Abigail. He loved his girls more than anything—when Brenda learned she was expecting, Hackett proudly drove his tractor throughout the community sharing the news. As Abby grew up, he could often be found cheering her on at dance recitals, softball games, and pageants. Hackett was a second-generation firefighter who proudly followed in his grandfather’s footsteps, serving the Frankfort community for 30 years, with the majority of that time on Engine 2. During his time with the Frankfort Fire Department, Hackett rose through the ranks from firefighter to sergeant and later lieutenant, a position he held until his retirement. After retiring from the Frankfort Fire Department, Hackett continued his commitment to public service by joining the Fire and Safety Team (FAST) at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky, where he served for 12 years and rose to Captain of Truck 5. Following his time at Kentucky Speedway, he went on to work with the Kentucky River Authority and Frankfort Parks & Recreation. Hackett had a deep interest in the history of Frankfort, particularly the history of the Frankfort Fire Department. He was an avid Florida Gators fan and enjoyed fishing, participating in numerous bass fishing tournaments throughout his life. He also had a passion for classic cars, owning several over the years, and loved his motorcycles and collecting antiques. He especially enjoyed taking trips to the beach with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Juanita Hackett of Frankfort, his mother-in-law, Ruth Semones of Frankfort and his grandparents, John and Mae Steele Hackett of Frankfort He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Brenda, his daughter Abigail (Jared) Sexton of Lawrenceburg; one brother, Jay (Karen) Hackett of Salvisa; one brother-in-law, Everett Semones of Frankfort; one sister-in-law, Patricia Ellis of Frankfort. And several nephews, cousins, and close family friends. Serving as pallbearers will be Everett Semones, Danny Molen, Jerry Rhodes, Jay Hackett, Gary Arnold, John Unger, Charlie Cheatham, and Kevin Benge. Honorary Pallbearers: Jared Sexton, Jim Fitzpatrick, Steve Reeder, Greg Mayeux, and Greg Howard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Capital City Museum or the Frankfort Fraternal Order of Firefighters. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

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John Allen Hackett

August 26, 1952 - December 27, 2025