Daniel Dean Plumley

Barbourville, Ky. – Daniel Dean Plumley, 81, passed away December 21, 2025. Daniel was the son of Wilbur Emmett Plumley and Lillian May Daberko Plumley born to them September 17, 1944, in Canton, Ohio.

Daniel was a kind, hardworking man who loved his family dearly. He was raised in Canton, Ohio, graduating from McKinley High School in 1962 and, two years later, from a Canton area tech school with an electrical certification. In 1964 Daniel enlisted in the United States Air Force and was based in Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. During his four years of service, he achieved the rank of Sergeant, working as a medic responsible for providing medical care to fellow troops, including assisting with delivering babies. After his service ended Daniel moved to Barbourville, Kentucky to attend Union College. He graduated in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in science. During his time at Union College, he was fortunate to meet the love of his life, Barbara, the two of them uniting in marriage in 1973 and later joyfully welcoming son, David Karl, and daughter Lara Glynn. Daniel remained in the medical field throughout his career, working many years as a laboratory technician at the University of Kentucky Hospital before retiring. Daniel was creative. In his spare time, he enjoyed building model airplanes, drawing and reading. Most of all though Daniel was committed to his family and his faith. If he wasn't at home surrounded by loved ones, he was likely with his church family. Daniel was an Elder at First Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky where he was a dedicated member for over 30 years. Daniel will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Left behind to mourn Daniel's passing is his beloved wife Barbara Glynn Campbell Plumley, son David Karl Plumley (Lesley), and daughter Lara Glynn Ford (Eric). Five cherished grandchildren, Joshua David Plumley, Elizabeth Ann Plumley, Ashleigh Rose Ford, James Marshall Ford, and Ariel Durham also survive Daniel and will miss him dearly. Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Lillian Plumley, and sister Pamela May Plumley.

A Graveside Service is planned for Daniel at Cumberland Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum, Lily, Kentucky, on Friday, December 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Minister David Karl Plumley will officiate, assisted by James Ford. Pallbearers are David Plumley, Eric Ford, James Ford, David Warren, and Ashleigh Ford.

The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, Mrs. Lorena Blankenship, Mr. Reid Brewer, Mr. Robin Reese, Ms. Quinlynn Chrisco, Mr. Steven Walker, Mr. Darren West, Ms. Nicole Collins, and Mrs. Brenda Johnson, express heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Daniel Dean Plumley.

Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over a century ago, is entrusted with all service arrangements for Daniel Dean Plumley.