Gary D. Stegner passed away on Monday, October 26th at the age of 74. He was born on December 5, 1951, in Cincinnati, Ohio to George and Audrey (Jackson) Stegner. Gary married Sally Johnson on June 26, 1976, and she survives. Other survivors include children Jeremy (Carry) Stegner and Beth (Keith Schmaltz) both of Versailles; grandchildren Ethan and Anna Schmaltz; and step-grandson, Ben Prather. He was preceded in death by his parents. Gary was a 1970 graduate of South Ripley High School, received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown College and master’s degree from Ball State University. He worked as a Public Relations Officer for the United States Army at the Jefferson Proving Ground until its closing in 1994, then finished his career with the Department of Energy at Fernald. He held a deep appreciation for the outdoors and especially enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, walking, and birding. A lifelong baseball fan, Gary also cherished watching his grandchildren compete in their various sporting events. In accordance with Gary’s wishes, he will be cremated and a private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be given to Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge or to Shiners Children Hospital in care of Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

