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Drive-thru visitation in Nicholasville

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NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — Because of social distancing requirements, a grieving Nicholasville family was offered an interesting alternative to a traditional 'visitation' for their loved one.

When Stephen Watkins lost his battle to cancer, David West of Nicholasville's Betts and West Funeral Home needed a Plan B.

So on Tuesday, community members came to offer condolences from their cars.

"I got the idea by watching the teachers drive through neighborhoods and wave to their parents and saw how that lifted their spirits," West said.

Watkins was a cherished member of the community; he drove a school bus and also coached a number of Little League teams in town. However, because of social distancing rules, Watkins couldn't receive a proper funeral.

"If it has to be done this way, it is a good way for the community to still offer that love to the family and tell them they're thinking about them," West said.

Right now, Watkins' survivors will take what they can get.