Brief History of Kentucky Lions
Multiple District 43
A Legacy of Service Since 1920
From the earliest days of Lionism in Kentucky, the Kentucky Lions have built a proud tradition of leadership, growth, and service. During the years 1920 through 1941, Kentucky and Tennessee operated as one district. In March 1941, Kentucky was assigned as District 43, with Lion Chris Russell of Maysville serving as the first District Governor.
At the 1941 State Convention, Kentucky Lions voted to adopt the Multiple District Governor’s plan, effective with the 1941–1942 fiscal year. Under that plan, the state was divided into District K and District Y. Lion Edward Roberts of Madisonville served as Governor of District K, while Lion Gilbert Perrone of Lexington served as Governor of District 43 Y.
Kentucky’s district structure continued to evolve over the decades. In 1946–1947, Kentucky was divided into four districts. In 1967–1968, the state expanded into six districts. In 2018–2019, Kentucky was organized into its present two-district structure: District K and District Y.
Since 1920, eleven Kentucky Lions have been honored by election to the Lions Clubs International Board as International Directors. One Kentucky Lion, Past International President Finis E. Davis, served as President of the Association in 1960–1961.
Kentucky Lions Who Have Served Internationally Past International President Name Years Served
| *Finis E. Davis |
1960-1961 |
Past International Directors
| Name |
Years Served |
| Edwin "Guy" Hollander |
2023-2025 |
| Justice Christopher "Shea" Nickell |
2019-2022 |
| *Dr. Henry Smith |
2001-2003 |
| Thomas H. Matney |
1994-1996 |
| *Yancey L. Watkins |
1988-1990 |
| *Robert P. McKeown |
1982-1984 |
| *W.C. "Bill" Padon |
1969-1971 |
| *Edwin N. Yeary |
1964-1966 |
| *Finis E. Davis |
1954-1956 |
| *Roy W. Dickinson |
1949-1951 |
| *A.E. Hukle |
1946-1948 |
| *Chris D. Russell |
1943-1945 |
| *Dr. J. L. Weber |
1920-1922 |
The First 15 Lions Clubs Organized in Kentucky
| Lions Club |
Organization Date |
| Paducah Lions Club |
April 16, 1920 |
| Mayfield Lions Club |
May 14, 1920 |
| Owensboro Lions Club |
June 19, 1920 |
| Louisville Lions Club |
September 3, 1920 |
| Lexington Lions Club |
December 15, 1920 |
| Hazard Lions Club |
March 12, 1922 |
| Frankfort Lions Club |
December 13, 1923
|
| Ashland Lions Club |
February 12, 1924
|
| Fulton Lions Club |
June 7, 1924
|
| Maysville Lions Club |
February 28, 1929
|
| Bowling Green Lions Club |
February 26, 1931
|
| Winchester Lions Club |
March 28, 1931
|
| Richmond Lions Club |
April 30, 1931
|
| Harrodsburg Lions Club |
May 14, 1931
|
Milestones at a Glance
- 1920: Kentucky Lionism begins with early club organization and Dr. J. L. Weber serving internationally.
- 1941: Kentucky becomes District 43, with Chris Russell of Maysville as its first District Governor.
- 1941–1942: The Multiple District Governor’s plan takes effect, dividing Kentucky into District K and District Y.
- 1946–1947: Kentucky is divided into four districts.
- 1960–1961: Finis E. Davis serves as President of the Association.
- 1967–1968: Kentucky expands into six districts.
- 2018–2019: Kentucky is organized into the present two-district structure, District K and District Y.
Honoring the Past. Serving the Present. Building the Future.
The history of Kentucky Lions Multiple District 43 reflects more than a century of dedication to leadership, fellowship, and service.
From the first clubs organized in 1920 to Kentucky Lions who have served on the international stage,
the legacy of District 43 continues through the work of Lions across the Commonwealth today.
