Don Ray "Butch" Staffey

Don Ray (Butch) Staffey Departed this life on December 23, 2023 at his home in Clark Hollow Community of McCreary County, Kentucky. Don passed peacefully surrounded by his family and friends.

Don Ray (Butch) Staffey was born in Scott County, Tennessee and had attained the age of 77 years and 11 months at his time of departure. Don was raised in the Flat Rock Community.

Don enlisted in the United States Navy when he was 17 years old, was Honorably discharged after faithfully serving his country as an Engineman’s Mate aboard the USS Proteus AS-19 during the Cold and Vietnam Wars and was stationed overseas in Guam.

Don was an avid Ham Radio Enthusiast who was licensed as an extra class operator by the FCC with the call sign “WD8JHL” for approximately 45 years. Don was an ARRL member and had many close and distant Ham Radio friends world wide and leaves behind this special message: “Carry on Folks”

Don retired from the CSX Railroad as a Conductor and returned to his home in McCreary County in 2006 where he lived and enjoyed his senior years in peace and tranquility.

Don was also an avid traveler and enjoyed many trips with his wife and soulmate Barbara seeing many NASA Rocket Launches and also visiting Alaska.

Don is survived by his wife of 50 years Barbara (Lawson) Staffey call sign KA8DFB of Welch, WV.

Survivors include his son: Jeffery Lawson and partner Karyn of Archbold, Ohio: Daughters Lee Ann Saaf and husband Chris of Wauseon, Ohio, Tanya Harrell of Jackson, MI, Renee Fackler and husband Josh of Camden, MI, Michelle Wasson and husband Jake of Bryan, Ohio. Barbara Miller and partner Ryan Goebel of Bryan, Ohio. Sisters: Maxine Miller (Scott) of Whitley City KY, Barbara King (Jason) of Mount Vernon, KY, and Jan Hull (Nick) of Indianapolis IN. Best friend and special caretaker of 20 years George Penick and wife Helen Penick of Stearns, KY, and special little fur baby “Ivan the Terrible”.

Don also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews and cousins.

Don Ray (Butch) Staffey is preceded in death by his parents: Emmett and Maxine (Carter) Staffey, brothers: James Daniel Staffey and William Jackson Staffey, infant sister: Kay Lynn Staffey.

Visitation will be held on Friday December 29, 2023 from 3-5pm at the McCreary County Funeral Home with cremation to follow.

McCreary County Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements.