(WKYT) – Stanford mayor Dalton Miller died after a battle with cancer, the Lincoln County Judge Executive confirmed Sunday.
In a social media post, Judge Executive J. Woods Adams says the county courthouse flag will be flown at half staff in honor of Miller.
It was a somber Sunday in Stanford as the community is mourning the loss of Mayor Dalton Miller.
“Dalton was all about love, he cared about this community, he cared about his country, he’s a veteran, loved his family, fierce, fierce protector of his family,” Tim Estes, radio host and longtime resident said.
After a two year battle with colon cancer, the 57 year old died May 31, 2026 according to officials.
“Couple years ago he was our guest speaker at our Lincoln County Relay for Life event and he talked to people then about the need for early detection,” Estes said.
A procession brought Miller home from the Veterans Affairs hospital in Lexington.
His family, city employees, and community members lined East Main Street to pay their respects.
“I think the legacy that Dalton will leave is service, putting others first before him. He was someone that always wanted to make sure that other people had before he had,” Estes said.
Mayor Miller leaves behind a legacy of 20 years of service to the city of Stanford, starting when he became a volunteer firefighter in 2006.
“He knew everyone he was very personable, always with a smile on his face,” Stanford Fire Chief Scott Maples said.
When Mayor Scottie Ernst died in 2020 following a mowing accident, Miller was elected in a special election to fill his shoes.
In 2022, Miller was elected for a full term. He served until his death in 2026.
“One thing that sticks out with Dalton as mayor is that he was a fierce advocate for employees. He always said and he understood that in order to take care of the citizens here in Stanford you have to take care of the employees who serve those citizens,” Chief Maples said.
But before his role as mayor, colleagues say he served on the city council and he served our country in the army.
Just less than three weeks ago, community members held a prayer meeting at Miller’s house.
Hundreds showed up.
“He looked out and he said ‘I love every single one of you,’ and I mean he was just blown away from the amount of people that were there to come out and support him,” Estes said.
For everyone who knew him, Mayor Dalton Miller’s death is a huge loss.