Ed Marksberry: We Miss You, Brother!

Gatewood had asked me to run as his Lt Gov back in 2007, and for several weeks we had a great relationship and laughed and shared ideas but ultimately I couldn’t make it happen. 

I felt terrible when I had to tell him, but Gatewood just smiled and said, “no problem brother”. 

Needless to say, I have several great stories about Gatewood  that I can share with you.  But the one theme they all have is the constant love Gatewood had for people and Kentucky.

The first time I got to meet Gatewood was at Fancy Farm years back around 2006?  He had a table set up on the Democrats’ side and had a pile of his autobiography books lying on the table. 

I walked up and asked “how much for your book Gatewood?”  He quickly spouted off something like “do you believe in the freedom of and that Government shouldn’t and constitution this..,” he spoke so fast that I couldn’t tell you exactly what he said but I liked the words that stood out the most so I simply replied, “Damn Right”!  He stopped and looked at me and said “they’re free, take one and let me sign it for you, brother”. 

We talked for some time about Wille Nelson, and I shared with him the times  I hung out on the movie set with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson, during the remake of the classic movie “Stage Coach.” (My father was Waylon’s double.)  I could tell he was skeptical at first, until I told him how Willie was very funny and comical, and you don’t see that when he plays music. During one scene where Willie (Doc Holliday’s character) has to deliver the baby that the pregnant Lisa Crosby’s character (Yes, she had recently shot JR on Dallas) is having, he says: “I have to take a look down there now,” and as he reaches between her legs, he suddenly pulls a rabbit out of his sleeve and holds it up and declares, “I believe it’s a boy.” Even the director was rolling on the floor.

We talked about how tough it is win an election without money, and that was why he decided to finally write his autobiography and to give it to anyone in the political arena so they would get to know the real Gatewood, not just some legalize marijuana caricature. 

He really had a good idea to promote himself and much better than just some 30 second commercial.  About that time a preppy fellow walked over and as he was eyeing the books there was something about his demeanor and when he asked  Gatewood “how much for your book”, dryly Gatewood replied, “Fifteen Bucks”!   Gatewood sure could call them! 

During Governor Beshear’s 1^st inauguration, Gatewood and I sat together, and as the Governor was being sworn in, I asked Gatewood what it would feel like to him to be up there instead.  Gatewood started beaming with that Gatewood grin and said, “Marksberry, if I ever win the lottery, look out”!

We miss you brother and we promise to keep your spirit alive!