Marvin Gary Stevens, age 77, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at UK-King’s Daughter Hospital in Ashland, Kentucky, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born August 12, 1947, in Boyd County, Kentucky, a son of the late Norman and Lois Ruley Stevens.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Helen Louise Walker Stevens; one son Jeremy Blake (Ceresa) Stevens of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one daughter, Erica Stevens (Jason) Brown of Knoxville, Tennessee. He was blessed to have three grandchildren. Connor Jayce Brown, Dylan Gareth Brown both of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Delaney Louise Stevens, of Olive Hill, Kentucky.
He graduated from Olive Hill High School, before eventually making his way to Eastern Kentucky State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice.
Gary spent 17 years in the Kentucky National Guard and the United States Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class.
His first real job was at Armco Steel Corporation where he worked for eight years until he found his true calling, the Kentucky State Police.
Gary often said he believed he was born to be a Trooper and was very proud of that accomplishment. He retired from the KSP after 23 years of service as a Trooper, Senior Trooper, Polygraph Examiner, and Detective.
After retirement he spent three years as Administrator of the Carter County Emergency Ambulance Service
before moving on to the Administrative Office of the Courts as a Security Specialist where he spent the next eleven years.
Gary was a competitive shooter and enjoyed all aspects of the sport. He specialized in self defense shooting skills and long range shooting, out to 1000 yards. He served three terms on the Board of Directors of the United States Practical Shooting Association and co-founded the Ashland Gun Club Practical Shooting Division.
Gary won two national Championships as a Super Senior competitor, which as he said was not an easy task.
Gary was a member of the First Christian Church, where he made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, August 8, 2025, at First Christian Church in Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Adam Foster and Brother David Gee officiating. Burial will follow in Olive Hill Memorial Park in Olive Hill, Kentucky.
Friends may visit from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, August 7, 2025, and after 10 a.m., Friday, August 8, 2025, until the service hour at First Christian Church in Olive Hill.
Kentucky State Police will serve as pallbearers.
KSP Honors will be conducted at the graveside by KSP Honor Guard.
