Robert W. Dyche III

The Honorable Robert W. Dyche III, who devoted his life to serving the people of Kentucky, passed from this life into eternal life on April 15, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Winkler Dyche, and his two sons, Robert IV and John William. Born April 12, 1951, Judge Dyche was the son of the late Robert Jr. and Beulah “Boots” Dyche. He graduated from Centre College in 1972 and the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1975. He began his legal career in private practice in London with the firm of Allen and Bledsoe before opening his own office. In January 1978, at just 26 years old, he was appointed as a trial commissioner and soon after became a district judge in Laurel and Knox Counties. In June 1986, he was appointed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, where he served for twenty years until his retirement in June 2006. Over the course of his judicial career, he authored more than 2,000 opinions and participated in over more 3,500 cases. His professional activities include service on the Continuing Judicial Education Commission from 1992-2006, the Ethics Committee of the Kentucky Judiciary 1997-2002, and the Judicial Conduct Commission 2002-2006. After retirement from the bench, he joined Jane in the practice of law at Dyche Law Office and remained active in the legal community, including as a member of the Kentucky Board of Bar Examiners. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Judge Dyche was an avid gardener, devoted reader, world traveler, and patron of the arts. Judge Dyche’s life was a steady gift to the community he loved. He served on a number of local boards, including the Laurel County Public Library and St. Joseph-London Hospital. As chair of the library board, he helped lead the planning and construction of the new public library and took a particular interest in its design, helping to ensure it would stand as a place of pride and enlightenment for the community. During his time with the hospital, he was involved in the planning and construction of the new St Joseph-London facility. He was a University of Kentucky Fellow, honored with the “James Gugler Outstanding Trustee Award” as an outstanding library trustee, the Kentucky Public Library Association Lifetime Achievement Award, President, Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Association and the Laurel County Homecoming Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, Senator Mitch McConnell honored Judge Dyche on the Senate floor upon his retirement from the Court of Appeals with remarks that were entered into the Congressional Record. He is also survived by his sister, Paige Dyche Stevens of London; his brother, John David Dyche (Laura) of Louisville; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and colleagues. Visiting hours with the family will be Saturday, April 18, at 6 PM at House Rawlings Funeral Home. A service celebrating his life will be held at First United Methodist Church of London on April 19 with visitation at 1 PM and the service at 2 PM. Burial will follow at A.R. Dyche Cemetery, with a reception following at the church. The family requests that expressions of sympathy be made to the London Laurel County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Dolly Parton Imagination Library or a good cause of your choice.