Stuart Kristen "Kris" Bratcher, 60, passed away Monday, May 5, 2025. Born in Louisville, KY, he was the son of the late Rev. Stuart Wesley and Winnie Smith Bratcher. During his childhood, Kris lived in Columbus, IN; Boone, NC; Brooklyn, NY; and Waymart, PA, where he attended Western Wayne High School. In 1981, Kris and his family relocated to Georgetown, Kentucky, and he transferred to Scott County High School, where he played both baseball and basketball. His senior year, he was on the 1983 basketball team that competed in the Sweet Sixteen State Tournament, which, as a life-long UK fan, fulfilled his childhood dream of playing in Rupp Arena. Kris graduated from Georgetown College in1990 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. While at Georgetown, he worked in the college's intramural sports program, assisted in the college's sports information department, and was a counselor at the YMCA's after school child care program. After college, Kris traveled throughout Europe and the Middle East as a model for Gavin's Models of London, England. He returned to Georgetown to work in media relations at the Bengals' Training camp, and then he was the Production Coordinator for WRVG 89.9, where he hosted and produced a syndicated program featuring live music. He also worked as a personal trainer for the YMCA in Lexington, Kentucky, was a basketball official for both the YMCA and the Georgetown Park and Rec's children's and adult leagues, and taught at Scott County High School as a long-term substitute teacher. In addition, he worked with Toyota Manufacturing Kentucky for a number of years. Kris loved the outdoors and could often be found fishing in the Elkhorn or hiking with his rescue dog, Clyde. He also enjoyed music and traveling, and combined those passions by following the shows of his favorite artists, The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band, and Government Mule. He was an avid Kentucky Wildcat fan, and attended many football and basketball games with his father and brothers-in-law. Kris was smart and funny with a quick wit and a kind heart. He was a devoted son to his parents and a loyal friend to his sisters. He will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends he amassed over the years.

He is survived by his sisters, Vicki (Jerry) Watson, Zionsville, IN and Rebecca (Steve) Laxton, Charlotte, NC; nieces and nephews, Bryan Watson (Alison), Indianapolis, IN, Katie Beth Watson (Chanwook Kim), Seoul, South Korea, and Mikaela, Carleigh, Jacob, and Gracie Laxton, Charlotte, NC; great nieces, Louise and Charlee Mae Watson, Indianapolis, IN, and Dayna Kim, Seoul, South Korea.

Funeral services will be 1 PM Monday, May 19, 2025 at Johnson's Funeral Home, conducted by Dr. Greg Earwood. Burial will follow at the Georgetown Cemetery. Visitation will be 11 AM till service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Scott County Humane Society.