Obituary of Edgar Basil Gaither Jr.

Edgar Basil "Bas" Gaither Jr., age 95, born in Mexico City, Mexico on August 2, 1928, to the late Edgar Basil Gaither Sr. and Elizabeth (Hall) Gaither.  He spent his childhood in Harrodsburg, KY. Edgar was a Navy veteran who served as a Lieutenant on a mine sweeper during the Korean War.  Edgar was a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. He began working for the Kentucky Department of Highways in the summer of 1947 and retired from the Department in 1979 as the State Transportation Planning Engineer. Edgar joined the consulting firm, American Consulting Engineers (ENTRAN, PLC) in 1979, advancing to the position of Partner/General Manager in 1987. He was the 9th inductee into the Kentucky Transportation Hall of Fame, past President of the Capital Chapter Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers, past President of Kentucky Association of Highway Engineers, and past Director Emeritus of Kentuckians For Better Transportation. 

Edgar enjoyed the outdoors, boating and kayaking at Cave Run Lake, watching UK basketball and football, working around the farm, and spending time with family and friends. 

Edgar is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years Bettye (Nation) Gaither of Lexington, Ky, one son: Stewart L. Gaither (Kellye C.) of Georgetown, Kentucky and one granddaughter: Madison N. Gaither of Georgetown, Kentucky. 

Edgar was preceded in death by his parents. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Clark Legacy Center in Frankfort, Kentucky.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until time for services. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: 

Bluegrass Care Navigators (Hospice) https://www.bgcarenav.org/ways-to-give 

Lexington VA Health Care. https://www.va.gov/lexington-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/ 

Clark Legacy Center is honored to be in charge of all arrangements.