Gary Jerome Dempsey

February 27, 1945 - March 31, 2020

Gary Jerome Dempsey, Sr., of Dayton, Nevada, 75, died March 31, 2020 at his home with his wife by his side after a long battle with cancer. He was born Feb. 27, 1945 in Renton, Washington, a son of the late Paul Revere Dempsey and Merlyn Anna Doyle. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his youngest brother, Patrick Dempsey, and a great-granddaughter, Cyra. He is survived by his wife of 26 years Shirley Dempsey of Dayton. He is also survived by sons Gary Jerome Dempsey, Jr., and his wife Carla, of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania; Steven Dempsey and his wife in Washington; stepson Thomas Blitch and his wife Debbie of Cocoa, Florida; and a step daughter, Christy Benham, and her husband in Washington. He has 10 grandchildren: Brittany, Alex, Mason, Julia, Michael, Thomas, Kyle, Samantha, Brooke, and Steven; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Paul “Sonny” Dempsey of Kerrville, Texas and a sister, Mary Reed, and her husband John, of Spanaway, Washington. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Gary Sr. retired after 30 years working at Rexam Beverage Can Company in Kent, Washington. He was a proud member of the Machinist Union local 79. He was a car enthusiast most of his life, always eager to restore a classic auto or even just admire them during shows he and Shirley often would attend together. With a familiar grin on his face, it was clear he was always thinking of the next classic car project. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no public service. A private ceremony will be held at a later date.