Dr. Gerald E. “Gary” French

Dr. Gerald E. “Gary” French, 94, of Lebanon, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born June 26, 1932, in Lebanon, a son of the late Floyd E. and Minne M. (McCoy) French. Gary married Jackie Muehlbauer on December 28, 1957 and she died on May 1, 2000. He then married Kay Pauley French in July 2001 and she died on January 15, 2012.

Gary was a lifelong resident of Lebanon and a 1950 graduate of Lebanon High School. He completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University and earned his doctorate of dental surgery from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Gary joined the Army and served from 1957 until 1961, before returning to Lebanon in 1959 where he began his dental practice. In 1986, he was joined by his son, Dr. Geffry French and he retired from French & French Dentistry in 2000.

Gary served as President of Kiwanis, IU School of Dentistry Dental Alumni Association, and St. Joseph Parish Council. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion, VFW, Elks, Ulen Country Club, and Indiana University Alumni. Gary received honors from the Ben Hur District Dental Society and I.U. State Dental Association, where he served as trustee for six years.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and enjoyed his children and grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and a loyal Indiana University Alumnus, supporting the university, dental school, and athletic programs. He and his wife wintered in Fort Myers, FL for several years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served on the cemetery board, as an extraordinary eucharistic minister, and an usher. Gary was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed participating in fundraisers and community events. He also was a volunteer at Witham Memorial Hospital.

Survivors include his children, Dr. Geffry E. (Lori) French of Lebanon and Todd A. (Kathy) French of Evansville; and grandchildren, Lauren French (Jerad) Diaz, Maci French (Ryan) Boester, Luke French, and Audrey French.

Gary was preceded in death by his daughter, Leslie; and brothers, Russell, Wilbur, and Jim.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 319 E South Street, Lebanon, IN 46052 and the Henry C. Ulen Foundation, 100 Country Club Dr., Lebanon, IN 46052.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, August 1, 2026, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 319 E South Street, Lebanon. Gary will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lebanon.