Bowling Green, Kentucky, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Jerry M. “Peanuts” Gaines, the longest-serving sheriff in Warren County, passed away at 88. His dedication to law enforcement and community service left a lasting impact. A decorated military veteran and community leader, he established numerous safety programs and was recognized nationally for his contributions. His legacy will endure through the initiatives he founded and the many lives he touched.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Jerry M. “Peanuts” Gaines, the former sheriff of Warren County, passed away at the age of 88 at his residence in Smiths Grove on October 22, 2025. A respected figure in law enforcement and community service, Gaines held the record for the longest-serving sheriff in Warren County and Kentucky history, having served from 1978 to 1982 and again from 1987 to 2018.
Born on June 28, 1937, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Gaines was the son of Emory Gaines and Kathryn Gaines Forrester. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Elkins East Gaines, his parents, stepfather P.L. Forrester, and brother Bill Gaines. He is survived by sons Phillip Gaines, Mike Gaines, Ronnie East (Lisa), daughters Ashley Buttram (Mike), Nancy Clark (Scott), and Kelly Jenkins (Bob). Gaines also leaves behind sister Paula Forrester Tarry (Bud), sister-in-law Paula Gaines, along with six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. A devoted caregiver and friend, Teresa Chism, is also a part of his surviving family.
Gaines began his commitment to public service as a Military Policeman in the United States Army and subsequently served as a Warren County Magistrate before transitioning to the role of sheriff. Over his 41 years of public service, he was instrumental in founding the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association’s Boys & Girls Ranch. Gaines actively contributed to the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association, serving five terms as President and earning recognition as the 1995 National Sheriff of the Year. He also held the position of President of the National Sheriffs’ Association from 2000 to 2001 and was the only sheriff to serve as President of the Kentucky Association of Counties in 2014.
During his tenure as sheriff, Gaines launched several community programs aimed at enhancing public safety and education, including the D.A.R.E. program, the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, and Neighborhood Watch initiatives. His legacy was recently honored when it was announced that the training room at the future Warren County Sheriff’s Office would bear his name, a recognition celebrated in January 2025. On January 23, 2025, in honor of his contributions, a proclamation declaring “Jerry ‘Peanuts’ Gaines Day” was issued.
Gaines’ passing has drawn tributes from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and Bowling Green Police Department, both emphasizing his kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to his community. Public visitation for Gaines will take place on October 27, 2025, from 12 noon to 8 PM at Hillvue Heights Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky, featuring a Masonic service at 7 PM. Funeral services are scheduled for October 28, 2025, at 11 AM, also at Hillvue Heights Church, followed by burial at Fairview Cemetery in Bowling Green. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines can be made to the Kentucky Sheriff’s Boys & Girls Ranch.
Key Contributions of Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines
- Served as sheriff from 1978-1982 and 1987-2018.
- Longest-serving sheriff in Warren County and Kentucky history.
- Founding member of the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association’s Boys & Girls Ranch.
- Implemented community programs such as the D.A.R.E. Program, Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, and Neighborhood Watch.
- Named the 1995 National Sheriff of the Year.
Funeral Arrangements
Public visitation: October 27, 2025, from 12 noon to 8 PM at Hillvue Heights Church, Bowling Green, KY, with a Masonic service at 7 PM.
Funeral service: October 28, 2025, at 11 AM at Hillvue Heights Church, followed by burial at Fairview Cemetery, Bowling Green.
FAQ
What is the date Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines passed away?
Jerry M. “Peanuts” Gaines passed away on October 22, 2025.
How long did Jerry Gaines serve as sheriff?
He served as Sheriff of Warren County from 1978-1982 and again from 1987-2018, making him the longest-serving Sheriff in Warren County and Kentucky history.
What is Jerry Gaines recognized for in his career?
Gaines was recognized as the 1995 National Sheriff of the Year and served five terms as President of the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association.
What were some programs Jerry Gaines implemented during his time in office?
He implemented the D.A.R.E. program, Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, and Neighborhood Watch programs.
Where can donations in memory of Jerry Gaines be made?
Contributions in memory of Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines can be made to the Kentucky Sheriff’s Boys & Girls Ranch.
Chart: Key Features of Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Jerry M. “Peanuts” Gaines |
| Age at Passing | 88 |
| Service | Longest-serving Sheriff in Warren County and Kentucky history |
| Tenure as Sheriff | 1978-1982, 1987-2018 |
| Recognition | 1995 National Sheriff of the Year, President of the National Sheriffs’ Association |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bowling Green Police Department Brings Joy to Toddler
Jerry Gaines, Longest-Serving Sheriff in Warren County, Passes Away
Former Warren County Sheriff Jerry Gaines Passes Away
Bowling Green Residents Honored at Memorial Services
Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News
- Wikipedia: Jerry Gaines
- WBKO
- Google Search: Jerry Gaines
- WNKY
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jerry Gaines
- WBKO Tribute
- Google News: Jerry Gaines
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
