Billy Ray “DUSTER” Gher, age 79 of Evansville, IN and formerly of Denver, CO, passed away at St. Vincent Hospital on Monday, May 2, 2022. He was born in St. Francisville, IL on March 24, 1943 to Paul R. and Irma Jean (Keen) Gher.
Bill met Sharon L. “Sherry” Brian Gher when he was quite young. He gave her a ring when hewas 13. They were married for 50 years. She preceded him in death on July 29, 2012. He wasalso preceded in death by his youngest son Joseph Flint Gher on March 18, 1985 and hisgrandson, Justin Lee Gher on September 6, 2006.
Sherry and he moved to Colorado after they were married and he worked for the Denver PublicSchool Corp for 17 years. He and his family moved back to Vincennes in the spring of 1979. Heworked as a cement finisher with Local 596 for Industrial Contractors, where he retired fromafter 20 years. Bill coached his children in baseball, and basketball for many years. After theymoved out, he was very active within the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Hadi Temple, WarrickCounty Klowns, the Arab Patrol, Hadi Funsters, Bowling league, and Chemo Buddies. He nevermissed a baseball or basketball game of his kids or grandkids. He took care of his wife for 22years as she battled Alzheimer’s disease. When asked “How are you?” he would always say:“Well, (pointing to his wrist) my elbow hurts, (pointing to his elbow) my wrist hurts a lot,(raising his arm as high as it would go) used to get my arm up to here (arm half way) now this isas far as I can go. I can’t hear a thing out of my right eye, but thanks for asking. Most peoplewon’t ask.” He taught generations of kids how to drive, play baseball, fish and to be kind. Hewas everything a man should be, and more. He loved his wife more than life itself. He missedJoe, Justin and Sherry every single day. He put a smile on everyone he met – he truly was oneof a kind.
Surviving family includes: one daughter- Mary Lee Gher of Evansville, IN: two sons- Brian K.Gher (Janet) of London, KY and Paul M. Gher (Melinda) of Lawrenceville: one sister- VirginiaVanwey (Larry) of Topeka, KS: three brothers- Johnny Gher (Susan) of Lawrenceville, IL, RobertGher (Tamara), of Lawrenceville, IL, Ronnie Gher of Texas. Grandchildren: Jarod, Lexa (Ryan),Taija , Andrew (Stephanie), Devin, Courtney (Derrick) Ashlee, Luke, Derrick, Tyler (Shantel),Mials, Morgan (Al) and Chandler. Great Grandchildren: Leah, Blayze, Alaina, Brynly, Skyler,Gunner, Zayn, Zaiden, Isabel, Mila, Paislee, Hudson and Evelyn. And of course, all of his Klownfamily.
There will be a Masonic Service at the Hadi Shrine, 6 Walnut St. in Evansville, IN @ 5:30 PM followed by a Shrine Walk through on Saturday, May 7th.
There will also be a visitation at Cunningham-Young Funeral Home in Lawrenceville on Sunday, May 8 from 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 4:30 p.m. All times are CST.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children directly or through the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.