Donald Farris

Donald Wilson Farris, 80, of Ashland, Kentucky, passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, Don was the son of the late Owen Robertson Farris and Mary Lydia Wilson Farris. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, David Robertson Farris and Gregory Ray Farris; his daughter in law, Kimberly Dean Farris; his niece, Lori Ann Vonderheide; and his nephew, Dean Vonderheide.

A 1964 graduate of Paul G. Blazer High School, Don proudly served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1967 with the 57th Engineer Company in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and was recognized as a sharpshooter (rifle). Following his military service, he began a long and dedicated career with Armco AK Steel where he worked from September 1967 until his retirement in January 2008.

Don had a deep love for sports, especially University of Kentucky and the Ashland Tomcats, and enjoyed coin collecting and music. Above all, he was devoted to his family. He embraced every moment of involvement, whether coaching, cheering from the sidelines and with the cheerleaders, participating in PTA, or traveling to create meaningful learning experiences and memories.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Roberta Barnett "Bobbie" Farris of Ashland; his children, James Robert Farris, Joseph Donald Farris, and Lisa Dawn Farris (Patrick Heffernan), all of Ashland; Joey Danielle Farris Toney (John) of Lexington, Kentucky; and his grandchild, Frankie "Sam" Farris of Ashland. He is also survived by sisters in law, Deana Vonderheide (William "Buck") of Catlettsburg and Phyllis Farris of Ashland; brothers in law, Haskell "Buddy" Barnett (Brenda) of Ashland, and James R. "Rick" Barnett of Ashland; a special friend, Gary Walters of Lexington; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a host of dear friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 15, 2025, from 11 a.m. to noon at Steen Funeral Home, 13th Street Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North East, with Chaplain Jimm Smedley officiating.

To share a memory of Don or to offer condolences to his family, please visit steenfuneralhome.com.