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Dr. Edwin J. Nighbert passed away peacefully early in the morning of May 2, 2022, in Vero Beach, Florida. He was 80 years of age. Ed Nighbert was born on August 31, 1941 to Virginia and Kenneth Nighbert, The family lived in Williamsburg, KY, where Ed attended Williamsburg Independent High School. He attended the University of Kentucky, where he earned his Medical Degree. After completing his residency at Vanderbilt University and the University of Kentucky, Ed was inducted into the Army and served at Martin Army Hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia, before returning to Lexington, Kentucky. There he joined Surgical Associates as a General Surgeon specializing in Vascular Surgery.
He practiced for 40 years before shifting his focus to bariatric surgery. He established the first Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery at St. Joseph East, in Lexington, Kentucky. After 20 plus years, The Center for Weight Loss Surgery at St. Joe East continues to be the Gold Standard for Bariatric Surgery in the Commonwealth.
During his time in Lexington, he served on many boards in various capacities. He served on several bank board of directors and was a founding member of The Lexington Bank, served on the board of First State Bank, and the Board of Trustees at Georgetown College.
Dr. Nighbert also founded the first outpatient surgery center in The Commonwealth, with the opening of The Lexington Surgery Center. He developed this business model with Surgical Care Affiliates, which became a publicly traded company that operated over 80 ambulatory surgery centers across the United States.
He reached the lives of thousands, healing many and establishing scholarships to serve others. He will be missed by many people in his community.
Dr. Nighbert was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Kenneth Nighbert, and his brother, Bill Nighbert. He is survived by his bride of 56 years, Sharon P. Nighbert, his younger brother Kenny Nighbert, his sons Edwin (Nicole), Sean (Amy), and Hunter (Amanda), as well as 7 grandchildren, all of whom he played a monumental role in influencing.
Services will be held in Lexington, Ky at a date to be determined.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
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