William "Dempsey" Daugherty

William “Dempsey” Daugherty, 72, of Owensboro passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at Riverside Care and Rehabilitation in Calhoun. The Madisonville native was born February 6, 1953, to the late Arthur and Ilene Rickard Daugherty. Dempsey was a man’s man who never let his disability hold him back. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping. He was enamored with cars, motorcycles, and women. Dempsey was a well-traveled man whose trips took him to New Orleans, New Hampshire, and Maine thanks to his adopted Lesmeister family. He was able to enjoy watersports, kayaking, bull riding, and a cold beer occasionally. Dempsey had the biggest smile in the world and was quite the jokester. He lived for a while at the Wendell Foster Center as well as participating in Active Day Day-Training Services.

In addition to his parents, Dempsey was also preceded in death by his long-time significant other, Lisa Ann Kurk in 2021.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sisters, Ann Miller (Anthony) and Jonell Crawford both of Anton; extended family with whom Dempsey lived for almost 7 years, Doug and Susan Lesmeister and their children, Trenton, Bradley, McKenzie, Chloe, and Greenlee; chosen grandbabies, Knox, Brantley, Zei’lan, Remi, and Zyon; his guardian, Mary Ramsey; several nieces and nephews.

There will be a Visitation on Friday, January 16 from 10:00 am until noon at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory followed by a 1:30 pm Graveside Service and burial at Bethlehem Christian Church Cemetery outside of Madisonville.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources to be used for purchasing licenses for people with disabilities at https://fw.ky.gov/Pages/donate.

Condolences and memories for Dempsey’s family may be left at www.glenncares.com.