BEAVER DAM, Ky. — Patrick Teehan Gillstrap, 74, of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at the Heartford House. Pat was born April 28, 1952, in Daviess County, Kentucky, to Dicky and Terry Gillstrap.
He attended and faithfully served Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.
Throughout his life, Pat dedicated himself to serving others in many capacities. His career included working as an underground coal miner, serving as an Ohio County Sheriff’s deputy, a funeral director and later returning to serve in the Court Security Division of the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department. Each role reflected his strong work ethic, compassion, and commitment to helping those around him. Above all the titles he held, however, Pat treasured being a husband to Debbie and a father to his six daughters. His family was the center of his world, and he took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Pat was deeply devoted to his community and believed in serving others with kindness, integrity, and respect. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, unwavering dedication to his family, and the example of service he set throughout his life. Whether through his work, his willingness to lend a helping hand, or the friendships he built over the years, he left a lasting impact on the lives of many.
His legacy lives on in the family he loved so dearly and in the countless lives he touched. The family will forever cherish the memories they shared with Pat and find comfort in knowing his love and influence will remain with them always.
Pat was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Terry Gillstrap; his father, Dicky Gillstrap; siblings, Pete Gillstrap, Jeff Gillstrap, Donna Gillstrap MacGregor, Patricia Gillstrap and the mother of four of his daughters, Sandra Wilson Gillstrap.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Debbie Gillstrap, whose love and partnership were among his life’s greatest blessings. He also leaves behind his cherished daughters, Sonnett (Kevin) Bennett, Natalie (Chad) Coleman, Sara (Frank) Parker, Mary (Joel) Sumner, Meredith Bosley (Aaron) and Megan (Robert) Nicodemus; his sister, Teresa “TAG” (Rusty) Clark; 15 treasured grandchildren; 15 adored great-grandchildren; special nieces and nephews, and several cherished friends, all of whom will carry his memory forward with love.
Friends may visit with the family Wednesday, July 8, from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Bevil Brothers Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, with Mass to follow at 12 noon at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church also in Beaver Dam.
The family requests expressions of sympathy be made in the form of a donation to SHOP WITH A COP for Ohio County. Donations in the form of cash or check may be dropped off at the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department ATTN: Amanda Critchelow Fitzgerald at 301 S Main ST Hartford, KY 42347 or Venmo Amanda Critchelow @amanda-fitzgerald-79