Obituary of Don Yancey

Clarence Donald "Don" Yancey passed away January 13, 2026, at the age of 95. Born March 3, 1930 in Frankfort, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Elizabeth Marguerite Yancey of Frankfort and Clarence Carl Yancey of Lawrenceburg. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, his high school sweetheart, Jane Hudson Yancey; two older brothers, William Gregory "Red" Yancey and Carl Elwood "Woody" Yancey; and an older sister, Mary Yancey Metz, all of Frankfort. A lifelong resident of Frankfort, Don graduated from Frankfort High School in 1949 where he lettered in three major sports: football, basketball, and baseball. His senior year he received the distinguished Sower Award given to the athlete who excelled in those three sports. He was an active member of Frankfort's First Presbyterian Church, serving both as Deacon and Elder and also heading the church's Men's Association. He played fast-pitch softball for a number of years in local and regional leagues and tournaments, and was a regular on the First Presbyterian Church slow-pitch softball team in the Frankfort Church League for several years, excelling as the team's pitcher. He worked for Sears for 33 years both in the downtown Frankfort location as well as the Eastwood Shopping Center store when it relocated. He retired from Sears in 1989, having attained the position of Division Manager at the Frankfort store. He was twice elected to the Frankfort Independent School Board, serving two 4-year terms. In his last term, he was appointed Board Chairman. Don served on the Frankfort YMCA Board of Directors for three terms and had the honor of being Board Chairman when the then new YMCA building in the Capital Plaza was dedicated. In 1984 he received the YMCA Red Triangle Honor, the highest award given by that organization for distinguished volunteer work. He was active in helping coach Frankfort Little League baseball and youth football for several years. He was the devoted father of five loving children: Philip Yancey (Vicki), Elizabeth Mahan, Paul Yancey (Barbara), Daniel Yancey (Jennifer), and Karen Mahoney (David), all of Frankfort. He is also survived by seven grandchildren to whom he was greatly devoted: Patrick Mahan (Natalie) of Lexington, Laura Mahan of Frankfort, Brent Yancey of Fairfield, Ohio, Brooke Yancey Ward (Chris) of Little Rock, Arkansas, Emily Stewart Cimo (Tommy) of Lexington, Tyler Mahoney (Jamie) of St. Matthews, and Chase Mahoney (Caitlyn) of Philadelphia. Don had five great-grandchildren: Jackson Mahan, Ira Mahoney, Asa Mahoney, Tate Ward, and Fisher Ward. He had many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 pm on Monday, January 19th at Frankfort First Presbyterian Church, 416 W. Main Street, with service following at 2:00 pm conducted by Reverend J.T. Silence. Interment will follow in the Frankfort Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Patrick Mahan, Joe Yancey, William Howard, Brent Yancey, Tyler Mahoney, and Chase Mahoney. Memorial contributions may be made in Don's name to Bluegrass Care Navigators (formerly Hospice of the Bluegrass).