Lonnie D. Gentry

Lonnie D. Gentry, 69, of Owensboro, passed away on December 9, 2023, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Lonnie was born in Hopkins County on August 13, 1954, to the late Raymond Virgil and Catherine “Polly” McCormick Gentry. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, retired from Ragu, loved his dogs, and was a passionate fan of UK Basketball. Additionally, he dedicated over two decades to refereeing youth basketball games.

Lonnie truly embodied the essence of a family man, sharing the journey of raising three boys with the love of his life, Julie. Despite the occasional challenges and tests of patience posed by the boys, he treasured every moment of their shared experience. He was involved in every aspect of his boys' lives, coaching and supporting all of their sporting endeavors in their youth. Lonnie was always there to lend a hand as they got older, often times without being asked, and dropping everything the moment one of them needed help. This same level of love and support continued to the next generation as he and Julie were blessed with grandchildren.

Those who knew Lonnie recognized his abundant humor, taking immense pleasure in brightening others' lives with laughter. He continued to be a jokester at heart throughout his entire life. He will be dearly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Doug, Monroe, Bill, Kenneth, and Joe Gentry, as well as his sisters Vicki Baker, Mildred Clayton, Bernice Spalding, Margaret Todd, and Gaye White.

Surviving him in loving memory is his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 47 years, Julie Murphy Gentry. He is also survived by his sons Lonnie Gentry (Elizabeth), Brandon Gentry (Emily), and Mark Gentry, along with his cherished grandchildren: Ally, Kacy, Molly, Ellis, Winston, Greyson, Hayden, and Theo. Additionally, he leaves behind his brothers Raymond, Terry, and Sam Gentry, as well as his sisters Faye Alexander, Debbie Carroll, Louise Rickard, Evelyn Rivet, and a whole host of loving nieces and nephews.

The funeral Mass for Lonnie Gentry will be at 11:30 am Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. A time to celebrate his life by telling a story and sharing a laugh with his family will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, with prayers at 6:00 pm. Visitation at Our Lady of Lourdes will be from 10:30 until 11:30 Thursday. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

A special thank you to the ICU nurses and staff of Owensboro Health Regional Hospital that cared for Lonnie and his family during this time.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Owensboro Humane Society, 3101 W. 2nd St., Owensboro, KY  42301 or the Nicky Hayden Memorial Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville - Nicky Hayden Memorial Foundation in the memo line 325 W. Main Street, Suite 1110, Louisville, KY 40202.

Messages and condolences for the family may be shared at www.glenncares.com.