Gary Wayne Derringer

Gary Wayne Derringer, born February 15, 1947, passed peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at age 78. While those of us who are left behind mourn, we also know that he is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus, surrounded by his family.

Gary graduated from Owen County High School in the class of 1965 and graduated from the University of the Cumberlands in 1970. He taught one year at OCHS before being drafted into the army. Gary was in the Army from 1970 to 1972, where he was in the 1st Engineers Battalion. While stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas, he met the love of his life, Marsha.

Gary married Marsha White on February 19, 1972, in Junction City, Kansas. They were married for 53 years. Shortly after they married, they moved to Monterey, Kentucky, where they continue to reside today.

After the army, Gary was employed at Peoples Bank and Trust Company, which is where he retired from in 2009. He held numerous positions through the years, with the last one being Executive Vice President.

Gary was a lover of all things motorsports, including NASCAR and going to watch his friends at the local truck and tractor pull. Gary owned a motorcycle for a good number of years and loved going on Sunday afternoon rides with friends. Gary enjoyed gardening with his dad, Bob, on Wednesdays; after Bob passed, Gary continued his love for plants through flowers. He could also spot a four-leaf clover faster than most. He enjoyed listening to music, Dale Earnhardt Jr. podcasts, fishing, playing cornhole, and playing dominoes with friends. He never met a dessert he didn’t enjoy or a Mexican restaurant he didn’t like. Gary was a master at “piddling around the house” and, with most of his projects, all he “lacked was finishing up”. Gary enjoyed being at the beach, surrounded by family, and always stopped to admire a beautiful sunset. But usually, you could find him driving around Monterey with Bella, catching up with all his friends. He always rooted for the Owen County Rebels and the University of Kentucky Wildcats.

Gary was a steadfast Christian and a great pillar of faith in his church, Monterey Baptist Church. He was a deacon, trustee, and previous financial secretary. Up until his death, he liked to joke that he was the oldest active member in the congregation. There are rumors that Gary attended Monterey Baptist Church as early as 2 months old. His knowledge of the Bible was vast, his belief and love in the Lord were greater.

Gary was kind, wise, funny, smart, an excellent listener, and much more. Up to his death, his mind was sharp, his wit sharper. He never met a stranger and always tried to see the good in people. Gary was an excellent friend and endeavored to be a good friend. He was always willing to do anything for those he loved.

Those who mourn him here on earth include his loving wife, Marsha; their daughter, Mariah Kathryn Derringer-Lackey (Thomas); and faithful dog, Bella. Gary is also survived by his brother-in-law, Joe Peters; and nieces, Jo Carole Ellis (Paul), Rebecca Ogden (Scott), and Elizabeth Smoot (Michael); and many great nieces and nephews, and some great-great nephews. He is also mourned by a tremendous number of friends.

We are comforted to know he was welcomed into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by family and friends. Those who greeted Gary in Heaven include his parents, Bob and Leota Derringer; his sister, Dana Derringer Peters; and numerous relatives and friends.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Monterey Baptist Church on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from Noon to 3 pm.  A memorial service will follow at 3 pm with Bro. Jeremy Warren and Bro. Everett Hawkins presiding. Memorial contributions are suggested to Monterey Cemetery, PO Box 474, Owenton, KY 40359