DePresto Gary, universally known as Presto, age 79, of Caneyville, KY, passed away Thursday, (March 12, 2026). He was born on January 12, 1947, in Welches Creek, KY, the son of the late Amos and Margaret Embry Gary.
Presto was a longtime Caneyville resident who cared deeply for his community and its people. He served 16 years as the 2nd district magistrate on Grayson County Fiscal Court, dedicated to public service and the wellbeing of his neighbors.
He worked as a deputy jailer at the Grayson County Detention Center from 1993 to 1997. A hard worker who earned everything he had, Presto owned and operated Presto Construction and managed cattle on his family’s farm.
Outside of work, Presto enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests. He founded KY Sound Old Time Gospel, a bluegrass and gospel band that toured Kentucky and neighboring states. He loved music, playing guitar and mandolin, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Presto also opened and operated the Gary Pay Lake, a special gathering place he leaves behind for his kids and grandkids to remember both him and his wife, Jo Ann.
Presto has always had love for the Grayson County Cougars. He has spent many years cheering on kids and grandkids playing for the Cougars. He particularly had a love for the 2025-2026 Cougar Basketball team and was at home watchingas many games as possible. Fittingly, the Cougars will take the court the evening of his funeral-a game he surely would have been cheering on.
Presto was a member of the Chapel Union Baptist Church.
He is survived by his children, Deanna Gary of Leitchfield, Donita Ashley (Tootie) of Anneta, Daniel Gary, Denisa Geary, and David Gary (Brittany) all of Caneyville; twelve grandchildren, Kelli (Aaron), Brena (Logan), Tyler (Kursten), Erin, Shelby, Preston, Izzy, Abby, Bentley, McKinley, Halley Jo, and Lilley; four great-grandchildren, Stella Jo, Emma, Langston and Colby; one sister, Marylane Fishburn; two brother-in-laws, Richard Brooks (Karen) and Vivin Brooks; and one step sister-in-law, Florence Gary. Presto is also survived by a very special caretaker, Brenda Williams. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, JoAnn Brooks Gary; stepmother, Eulma Gary and his stepbrother, James Gary.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, (March 18, 2026) at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield. Bro. Joey Decker and Bro. Jack Cockrel will be officiating. Burial will be in the Chapel Union Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and from 9:00 a.m. Wednesday until time of services.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Chapel Union Church Cemetery.
Online condolences can be made in the guestbook on our website www.dermittfuneralhome.com.
