The man responsible for overseeing the management of Lake Barkley State Resort Park during a time of unprecedented growth that earned the park national accolades has died.
Mark Lovely passed away Sunday in Cadiz. He was 87 years old.
The Floyd County native was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who got his first job in the Kentucky State Park system in 1967 at Levi Jackson State Park in London.
After stops at two other state parks, Lovely was named manager at Lake Barkley in 1972. The park became the crown jewel of the state park system with the addition of a convention center, fitness center, and airport. The park also added a marina and cottages during his tenure and received accolades from national magazines, newspapers, and travel organizations.
After 19 years leading Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Lovely was named state parks commissioner by Governor Brereton Jones.
Lovely remained active in the Trigg County community as a member of the Cadiz Rotary Club and served as chairman of the Trigg County Hospital Board.
After retiring to Trigg County with his late wife Rose, Lovely served as a member of the Pennyrile Honor Guard.
Lovely is survived by his sons Mark and Sean. Private services will be held in Hindman. A complete obituary will be heard later in the newscast.
