The news was confirmed on social media Tuesday afternoon by Commissioner Bill Bartleman. Bartleman noted that the 61-year-old Doolittle had served the community for 35 years.
Judge-Executive Craig Clymer released a statement Tuesday calling Doolittle’s service to Paducah and McCracken County unique in that his entire career was spent in this community. He highlighted some milestones in a career that began as an intern for the City of Paducah, fresh from receiving a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University. Other positions within the City included City Planning Director, Director of Inspections, and Director of Human Resources. He was also the Executive Director of the Paducah Riverfront Development Authority.
Beginning in 2000, Doolittle took over as the McCracken County Administrator. He served in that position for seven years. He became the Deputy Judge-Executive in 2019.
Commissioner Richard Abraham told West Kentucky Star that he was fortunate to work with Doolittle during his time with the City and County. No matter the position he held, Doolittle was the “go-to guy.” He said this is a big loss for the community.
In a social media post, Commissioner Eddie Jones referred to Doolittle as “our community statesman.” Adding that he was someone officials leaned on for his vision, knowledge, and perspective.
A common thread among the comments released and posted about the Deputy Judge all talked about the integrity and the hard work he put into the community. It is a loss that will no doubt be felt for some time to come.
Statement from Judge-Executive Craig Clymer:
Social Media Statement from Commissioner Eddie Jones:
We will miss Steve Doolittle so much. He was our community statesman. We all leaned on him because he was smart with perspective. He had vision for our future. Gone too soon Steve. I will miss you. Rest in Peace my friend.
Statement from Commissioner Bill Bartleman:
The untimely and unexpected death of Steve Doolittle will leave a void in the leadership of McCracken County that can't be filled.
He was a dedicated and hard-working public servant who worked in various positions in city and county government for 35 years. His most recent work was as deputy county-judge executive. His corporate knowledge of government issues, his intelligence, the respect he had from all who knew him and his work ethic were unmatched.
I followed his career first as a reporter then as a commissioner and always observed that he had an even disposition, even with the pressure he faced from special interest groups, businesses, elected officials and even from a skeptical reporter.
He was the true definition of a public servant. He cared about the community and people. He was honest and had the highest of integrity. Fiscal court member leaned on him for advice and leadership.
Any success we've had can credited to Steve because he carried out our ideas, our projects and our programs and saw that they got done. He could have gone anywhere in the country for high-paying and higher-profile jobs, but he stayed here because he loved the community and the challenges to make it better.
Rest in Peace My Good and Faithful Servant. You made it better. You are already missed.
Photo courtesy of Steve Doolittle's LinkedIn page
