Donald Ray Feltner
Don Feltner, 89, of Richmond, KY, passed away on March 1, 2023 after a ruptured brain aneurysm.
Don was born on August 31, 1933 to Clarence Elvin and Dora Feltner in Krypton, Kentucky. After graduating from Hazard High School in 1952, he was offered a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers professional baseball club, but chose to pursue a college education at Eastern Kentucky State College where he was a 4-year letterman for Coach Turkey Hughes’ Maroons baseball team where he later was recognized in the EKU Sports Hall of Fame. Don also served as the school’s Sports Publicity Director and was an ROTC graduate in 1956. Following his playing career for the Maroons, he served as graduate assistant pitching coach before entering the military service as a first lieutenant officer, active duty in 1957-1959 in the US Army (Antiaircraft Artillery) in Fort Bliss, Texas. He later served as a Captain of the Kentucky Army National Guard, Lexington from 1959-1965.
He returned to his alma mater to earn a master’s of arts degree in education in 1960. His 42 year career at Eastern Kentucky University included positions as Director of Publicity and Publications, Vice President of Public Affairs, Vice President of University Relations & Development. He was the Founding Director of the EKU Foundation, established in 1963. He designed and managed EKU capital campaigns which achieved over $50 million during his career for campus buildings and improvements which included the Chapel of Meditation, Donald Disney Building, Tom & Hazel Little Building, Moberly Building, and the Ashland Fire and Safety Technology Building. He was also instrumental in the acquisition of the Arlington estate, and began major giving programs including the Colonel Club and the baseball team’s Diamond Boosters. He also served as the adviser to both the Progress school newspaper and the Milestone year book which were rated among the nation’s best by collegiate press associations.
Since his retirement, he has served the community on a number of charitable boards including chairman of the Madison County United Way, the American Cancer Society, campaigns to build the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Hospice Compassionate Care Center.
Don & Marthalyn Jo Feltner have one son, Derek who is married to Laura and they have two sons; Ryan (26) and Riley (22). Don was a wonderful and devoted father, grandfather, father-in-law and husband. He was always there for his family by offering great support, tremendous compassion and encouragement in all aspects of life. Family was priority for Don as well as truly making a difference in the community.
Don was predeceased by his parents Clarence & Dora, brothers Elvin and Arnold Gene, brother-in-law Rupert Stephens, and niece Jill Stephens. In addition to Marthalyn Jo, Derek, Laura, Ryan and Riley, Don is also survived by a sister, Mary Rose Stephens, a sister-in-law, Ruth Feltner, a nephew, Joel Stephens, and a niece, Loree Feltner.