Obituary: Francis ‘Keith’ Mattingly, 66, New Hope

Francis “Keith” Mattingly, 66, of New Hope, died Thursday, June 12, 2025, at UK Medical Center. He was born Jan. 2, 1959, in Nelson County. He was a mechanic for 50 plus years. He rebuilt his first transmission at age 13. He was the owner of Bardstown Transmission and later Mattingly Transmission. He loved classic cars, westerns, and good old country music. He cherished his grandchildren the most and being Papaw was the highlight of his life.

He was loved by many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fabian and JoAnn Mattingly; and one brother, Billy Mattingly.

Survivors include four children, Tracy Downs (Jaime) and Jessica Lee (Darren), both of Bardstown, Allen Mattingly and Kyle Mattingly (Morgan), both of New Hope; two sisters, Cheryl Baker (Jr) and Debbie Auberry (Keith), both of Bardstown; two brothers, Ernie Mattingly of Troy, Maine, and Greg Mattingly of Loretto; nine grandchildren, Kenley Downs, Holley Dewitt, Keith Elder, Annabelle Spalding, Caleb Spalding, Macie Mattingly, Karlie Mattingly, Colton Lee, and Zoe Lee; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral is 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Mattingly Funeral Home in Loretto with Deacon Joseph R. Dant officiating with Randy Mattingly assisting. Burial is in the St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in New Hope.

Pallbearers are Pat Miles, Jaime Downs, Glenn Davis, Keith Elder, Bobby Settles, Gregory Mattingly, and Darren Lee.

The Mattingly Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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