MORGANTOWN, Ky. — Gary Alvin Phelps Sr. passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025. Gary was born on March 19, 1951, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Gary was a member of Cool Springs General Baptist Church and Reedyville Masonic Lodge #438. He was known for his love of fishing, hunting, and riding motorcycles. He enjoyed traveling throughout his life, telling stories, and was happiest when surrounded by loved ones.
Gary was a proud veteran and entered the US Army in May 1968 and was deployed to Vietnam in 1970 as a Special Operations Detachment. He became a competitive high-powered rifle shooter and instructor for the United States Rifle Team. He was a field recruiter in West Virginia until his discharge in 1979.
He received a Purple Heart for wounds received in action; the Bronze Star Medal “V” device for heroism and ground combat; Vietnam Medal with two Bronze Service Stars; Vietnam Campaign Ribbon; five meritorious unit commendations; Expert Badge with Auto Rifle; Army Recruiter Badge with two gold stars; National Defense Service Medal.
He is preceded in death by his father, Offie Phelps, his mother, Glennie Gary Phelps, and his sister, Charlotte Phelps.
Gary is survived by his wife of 55 years, Taunya Schaser Phelps; his daughter, Kelly Phelps Tichenor (Bill); his son, Gary Phelps Jr. (Leigh Ann); his grandchildren, Jake Phelps (Kameron), Lucus Tichenor (Brooklyn), Easton Phelps, Braden Tichenor, Jenna Phelps; great-grandchildren, Holland Phelps, Lincoln and Grayson Tichenor, all from Morgantown, Kentucky; as well his brother-in-law, Jerry Phelps, of Beaver Dam, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.
The Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 22, at 3 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Wallace officiating. Military Honors will be presented by the Ohio County Amvets. Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate Gary’s life from 10:00am until 3 p.m. Private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made at Smith Funeral Home for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and Wounded Warriors.
