John Branham Baughman

John Branham Baughman of Frankfort died at home on June 18, 2026, after a long illness. A lifelong resident of Frankfort, John was born on June 29, 1946, to Matilda Hoge Baughman and Dr. Branham Beasley Baughman. He was a proud graduate of Frankfort High School, Centre College, and the University of Kentucky College of Law. John practiced law for 54 years beginning on the Kentucky Court of Appeals as a clerk for Justice John Palmore. He was a partner in the firm Hazelrigg and Cox and finished his career in the firm Baughman Harp. He was a member of the 48th District Judicial Nominating Committee. He served the Franklin Circuit Court as Master Commissioner, Special Master Commissioner, and Receiver. He was on the board of the State National Bank and an advisor to Whitaker Bank. He was proud to have given service to his community on various boards and committees, most recently the Salvation Army, John Ed McConnell Foundation, Kings Daughters Apartments, and Capital City Museum. Just before he died, he was very pleased to have been inducted into the Frankfort High School Hall of Fame. The outdoors was a source of great joy. John loved riding horses, beginning as a youth. He was an avid bow hunter and holds a record in the Pope and Young Record Book of North American Big Game Animals. He especially enjoyed annual deer hunts with old friends in Michigan. In his last years, he became a backyard bird and wildlife watcher. John is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Carol Hill Baughman and his sister Mary Baughman Wallace. He is survived by two beloved children, Anne Baughman Spears (Thomas) and Stephen Branham Baughman (Carolyn) and their two children Mara and Jai. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother-in-law, Roger Neil Wallace. Friends are invited to visitation at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home, 312 Washington Street, Frankfort on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. A private service for family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Franklin County Community Fund, 499 East High Street, Suite 112, Lexington, KY 40507, and the Salvation Army Frankfort Corps, 517 Greenup Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

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John Branham Baughman

June 29, 1946 - June 18, 2026