Gary Wayne Luhr

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Henry Luhr, Jr. (deceased 1964) and his mother, Ethel Katherine Luhr, (deceased 2000). Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Jeanne Louise Zellner Luhr, daughters Elaine Carol Luhr and Kate Erin Luhr (Eric Frost-Barnes), and granddaughter Raleigh Barnes.

Gary worked as a reporter for The Associated Press, an assistant director of the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission, vice president of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, editor of Kentucky Living magazine, assistant director of communication for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and executive director of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities.

A humble man who shunned accolades, Gary would have chosen to end his obituary here. Fortunately, his children refused to honor those wishes. They feel he’s earned a more robust tribute, and he’s in no position to stop them. So, per his daughters:

Gary was an active member of his church, serving on countless (endless?) committees and in lay leadership positions over the years. He volunteered his time in myriad ways, from packing Christmas baskets, to emceeing special events, to providing shelter for refugees. If someone at Harvey Browne Memorial Presbyterian needed a speech written, a weed pulled, or 100 years of church history researched, Gary was the one to call.

A lifelong patron of the arts, Gary’s playbill collection numbered in the thousands, including a nearly complete program history of Actors Theatre of Louisville. He was also a performer in his own right who had leading roles in most of the plays put on over 15 years by the Harvey Browne Dinner Theatre. Just days before he passed, Gary proved he could still recite the Stage Manager’s opening monologue from a production of Our Town he’d starred in over 40 years ago. Thorton Wilder’s play emphasizes the value of appreciating everyday moments. That’s what Gary did.

Gary was an avid reader, an advocate for legitimate journalism, a friend to dogs and a tolerator of cats. He served on the board of the St. Matthews Friends of the Library, and donated to numerous non-profits, including public media outlets and humane societies. Anyone wishing to act in his honor could do so by supporting similar organizations, or by training a dog to eat pretzel sticks out of your mouth.

In 2015, Gary joined the board of Bunbury Theatre. He became President in 2017 and held that position until May of 2024. In recognition of his many years of service, Bunbury and the Mayor of Louisville declared Sept 16, 2024, to be “Gary Luhr Day.” Gary, of course, said everyone was making a big fuss over nothing.

Gary was the kind of person who could be counted on to tell a bad joke, give good advice, or help a friend move across the country. He could also be counted on to finish any type of chocolate dessert placed before him, with no regrets. Above all else, he was a devoted husband and father. His love for Jeanne was palpable, even after 55 years, and although his daughters didn’t respect him enough to leave his obituary alone, they did love him enough to write a more accurate summary of who he truly was – a man who dedicated his life to his family, his church, and his community. A Good Man. He will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Harvey Browne Church on Thursday April 10, 2025 at 3pm with visitation at the church from 1pm to 3pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church Wich Music Fund (hbpres.net) or to Bunbury Theatre (bunburytheatre.org).