A longtime Grayson County magistrate and business owner has passed away.
Caneyville’s De Presto Gary, universally known as Presto, passed away on Thursday, according to his family. He was 79.
Gary was a stalwart presence in the Caneyville community and always had its citizens in mind while serving as 2nd district magistrate on Grayson County Fiscal Court for 16 years (1998-2002, 2007-2018).
Gary, in addition to his work on Fiscal Court, worked as a deputy jailer at the Grayson County Detention Center from 1993 to 1997.
His steadfast dedication to public service was passed down to his children, including sons David and Daniel Gary: David has worked at GCDC for 12 years and has risen to the rank of colonel. Daniel retired from GCDC in 2022 as a major after 21 years of service.
Gary’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Presto Construction, a business he owned until 2011 when he sold the company to his son, David.
In addition to his magisterial work, business ownership and working as a GCDC deputy, Gary was a prolific farmer, displaying an unparalleled work ethic.
Showing his varying interests, Gary, along with his wife JoAnn Gary, who were married on July 10, 1965, founded KY Sound Old Time Gospel, a bluegrass and gospel band that toured throughout Kentucky and surrounding states.
De Presto’s unusual first name came from his father, Amos Gary, who named his son after a soldier of Italian descent he befriended during WW II. That soldier died in combat and Amos, who was awarded the Purple Heart, chose to name his son after his fallen friend.
Presto and JoAnn, who were married for 59 years (until her death in December 2024), raised five children, Deanna Gary, Donita Ashley, Daniel Gary, David Gary, and Denisa Gary.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ke@k105.com
