BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- John Bloomer, a Mid-South Conference softball umpire, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 25. He was 70 years old.

Bloomer was a beloved member of the Mid-South Conference softball umpire group.

"John loved the game and loved umpiring," Paul Lewis, Mid-South Conference Softball Supervisor of Officials, said. "He will certainly be missed both as an umpire and as a friend."

Bloomer was umpiring behind home plate in the first game of a softball doubleheader with Campbellsville (Ky.) and Union Commonwealth (Ky.) when he collapsed.

According to his obituary, Bloomer was a sports official for over thirty years. In 2019, he was the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Umpire of the Year. In 2023, he was designated as a USA Softball Elite Umpire.

"John was a professional on the field and was respected by our coaches and student-athletes," MSC Interim Commissioner Chris Wells said. "Our continued prayers are with his family and friends."

Visitation is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday, March 2, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 11721 Main Street, Middletown, Ky. The Celebration of Life will begin at 6 p.m. ET.