Darryl Herbie Jo Vanover

Darryl “Herbie Jo” Vanover, age 63, of Whitley City, Kentucky husband of Diane Keith-Vanover, passed away April 23, 2026 at St. Joseph Hospital in London, Kentucky.

Herbie Jo was born in Hamilton, Ohio., to the late Lawrence and Elva Patrick Vanover. He was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers; Lawrence Edward Slaven, Carl Vanover, Larry Vanover, Lawrence Vanover Jr., sisters; Louise Stouffer, Mary Vanover, and Clara Vanover.

Herbie Jo is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of forty years, Diane Keith-Vanover of Whitley City, brothers; Parker Lee Vanover of Parkers Lake, Ky., Michael Wayne Vanover of Strunk, KY., sisters; Carol Vanover of Parkers Lake, KY., Elva Mae Hicks and Pearly Ann Vanover, both of Parkers Lake, Ky., and many-many friends and numerous family members who loved him and will miss him dearly.

Herbie Jo loved the woods, most of his life revolved around them. He worked many years in the logging industry, then went to work for a contractor in Knoxville, Tennessee that cleared TVA lines. Herb was their “Hot Tree” cutter, master logger and he was proud of that title. After a few years, he returned to McCreary County and went back to work cutting timber and hauling firewood. As he aged he decided to move in a different direction, again in the wood business. He went to work with Merrick Hardwoods, where he retired in April of 2025. Herbie Jo was the jokester of the crowd, he would do silly things just to get people to laugh and smile. He enjoyed driving the backroads, check out timber stands, looking for good camping spots, playing cards with his sisters and watching children play.

Funeral service is planned for Monday, April 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm, in the chapel of McCreary County Funeral Home, with Brother Daniel Perry and Leroy Perry officiating. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm until time for funeral service. Burial will follow in Higginbotham Cemetery

McCreary County Funeral Home is entrusted with the services for Darryl “Herbie Jo” Vanover.