Gary Marshall “Pap” Deitmen was born on March 1, 1947 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and passed away at his home in Pinewood, Tennessee on January 18, 2024. He was 76 years old.

He was the son of the late Donald Theodore Deitmen and Thelma Ann Lockard Deitmen.

He was also preceded in death by his brothers Joseph Mark Deitmen and Ricky Deitmen.

He is survived by his wife Anna Marie Grimes Deitmen. Daughters Teah (Gary) Cannon, Jodi (Phillip) Bates, and Christina Griffith. Brothers Randy (Jackie) Deitmen and Jeff Deitmen. Sister Dawn Marie Deitmen. 7 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren. Along with many other relatives, friends, and loved ones.

Gary grew up in Pennsylvania. He and Anna met and began dating while they were in the seventh grade. He graduated from McGuffey High School in Claysville, Pennsylvania. While still in school he joined the National Guard and served for eight years. He and Anna married on August 5, 1967 at the Whitehall Church of Christ in Pittsburg. This was the beginning of 56 wonderful years of marriage. While still in Pennsylvania he started his first construction company named Durable Builders. Once his parents made their way to Tennessee he, Anna and the girls made the move in 1974. In 1978 Gary and his dad started Mark I Inc. which was named so in honor of his late brother. He worked until his retirement in 2017. He was a hard worker, and was always right there with his crews. They built many buildings, and countless Tractor Supply Stores across the country. He was a fair and generous boss and always made sure his guys were taken care of.

Gary was a beloved member of the Pinewood Church of Christ and faithfully attended there since 1974 when he moved to Tennessee. He was “Pap” to everyone and loved all of the kids that attended there. He was sure to always have a bag of treats, mostly M&M’s, to give to each one. He made sure they had one for each hand. Church was always a priority in his life, and he made sure he and his family were there at every opportunity.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman and was up at 4 o’clock every morning ready to go. He enjoyed going hunting for deer, ducks, dove, and bear and fishing on the Tennessee River. He traveled all over the United States, Canada, and Argentina doing what he loved. He made sure to pass on that enjoyment of the outdoors to his three daughters, and all of his grandchildren who got to share in many of his trips and adventures.

He and Anna were blessed to be able to travel. They spent time at beaches and even took a long road trip out west. They would frequently visit family in Pennsylvania. He logged countless miles behind the wheel and was always on the go. He loved having family get-togethers and parties. He never passed up an opportunity to spend time with his family.

Gary was the best Dad. He was supportive of his girls in everything that they did, often driving for hours to make games or horse shows just to turn around and drive right back to wherever he happened to be working at the time. He did not miss anything. This carried over when he became a grandfather. He could always be found at the ball field cheering louder than anyone for his grandchildren. He often took his grandkids to Titans football games, especially if the Steelers were going to be in town so he could cheer for his team. He loved his family and always made sure they were taken care of. He was pure love, and always strived to show that love to his family. He is going to be deeply missed by everyone who was blessed to know and love him.

Visitation with the family will be 22 Jan 2024 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at McDonald Funeral Home – Hickman County.  Funeral Services will be held 22 Jan 2024 at 1:oo PM at McDonald Funeral Home – Hickman County.  Chris Chilton and Eric Hughes will officiate services.  Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Centerville, TN.  

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Pinewood Church of Christ Building Fund.