Obituaries

Gary Crone, 69, of Villa Hills, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Seasons of Alexandria, surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born on November 26, 1956, in Covington, Kentucky, and grew up in Northern Kentucky, graduating from Conner High School in 1974. Villa Hills was always home to Gary, and it was there that he built a beautiful life with his wife, Robin, and their family.

Gary and Robin met in 1983 at the 99 Center in Crescent Springs. Two years later, on July 30, 1985, they were married. They began their married life on Niewahner Drive in Villa Hills and eventually welcomed two children, Jordan in 1988 and Shannon in 1990.

Gary spent 30 years with Delta Air Lines, working primarily on the ramp, before retiring in 2008. But his greatest role in life was being a husband, father, and grandfather. Gary was the kind of dad who was simply always there. He rarely missed a track meet, golf tournament, diving competition, cheer competition, or tennis match. He loved his children deeply and took tremendous pride in supporting them in everything they pursued.

That same devotion carried into his role as a grandfather. Gary could often be found at Shannon’s house, where he came almost every day to help with Hazel, Lennon, and Iris. He would bathe them, change them, hold them, play games, help with homework, swing them around, and—of course—bring them their favorite snacks. He never rushed his time with them. For Gary, being present was what mattered most.

When Gary wasn’t spending time with his family, there was a good chance he was on a golf course. He played three times a week and served as “the commissioner” of the Delta Airlines AKA Delweiser Golf League. Golf was a favorite pastime, but the friendships he made along the way meant just as much. Gary was fortunate to have many wonderful friends who stood by him through thick and thin, visiting him at home, in the hospital, and during his time in rehabilitation.

Gary was a simple, laid-back man who didn’t need much to be happy. He enjoyed good friends, family, a casual meal, and anything with plenty of buffalo sauce and jalapenos. And after years of searching for the perfect truck, Gary finally found his pride and joy…a 2025 Bronze Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition, which he traveled to Columbus to bring home.

Gary’s final four months were marked by a courageous battle with glioblastoma. Although his illness progressed rapidly despite treatment, his family finds peace knowing that he is no longer suffering. They are especially grateful to Britney, his nurse at Seasons of Alexandria, whose compassion and dedication helped ensure that Gary remained comfortable and free from pain.

Gary will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 41 years, Robin Crone; his son, Jordan (Brittany Hale) Crone; his daughter, Shannon (Stu) Johnson; his two sisters and several brothers- and sisters-in-law who loved him dearly; and his grandchildren, Hazel, Lennon, and Iris.

He leaves behind a family and many friends who will forever remember him for his quiet nature, generous heart, unwavering support, and the simple joy he found in being there for the people he loved.

Gary’s Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Linnemann Funeral Homes, 1940 Burlington Pike, Burlington, Kentucky. His son-in-law, Stu Johnson, will offer a prayer at 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to I Have Wings Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 18502, Erlanger, KY 41018 or St. Elizabeth Cancer Center.

To share a story or leave an online condolence, please visit www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com.