Donald Edward Jaynes

 In Loving Memory of Donald Edward Jaynes

Donald Edward Jaynes, age 79, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 2, 2025, with faith fulfilled and peace in his heart.

Don was born on August 15, 1945, in Harlan, the youngest of three children. His parents would soon settle in Ohio, where he would spend his formative years in South Lebanon. A proud 1963 graduate of Kings High School, where he served as senior class treasurer, he worked a short time at Purina before realizing dog food production wasn’t his calling. Don relocated to Richmond and enrolled at Eastern Kentucky University. While earning his accounting degree, he worked at Uncle Charlie’s Meats in production and provided bookkeeping services for other small local businesses.

After obtaining his CPA license in 1976, Don opened his own public accounting office in Richmond and proudly served his clients and community for nearly five decades. He genuinely loved preparing tax returns—but what he cherished most were the relationships he built with clients who became lifelong friends. He officially retired in October 2024, closing his career marked by dedication and integrity.

Don was a man of many talents and interests. He enjoyed maintaining a well-manicured lawn, traveling throughout the US and foreign lands, strumming his 12-string guitar, making pull candy during the holidays, and perfecting his golf swing.

Don’s faith guided every aspect of his life, living out what it meant to serve others. A devoted member of Red House Baptist Church for over 45 years, he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher for three-year-olds, children’s music leader, and volunteered with Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief. His service extended beyond local efforts, with mission trips to Kenya, Russia, and Haiti. Later in life, he enjoyed worshipping and serving at Anchor Baptist Church and Fountain Park Church of God.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. Honoring that legacy are his daughters, LaDonna (Bill) Ingram and Krissi (Chris) Arvin; granddaughters Kara Arvin, Larkyn Ingram, and Kate Arvin—known affectionately as The Buddy Club; and grandson-in-law-to-be, Grahm Griffith. Also surviving are his brother, Bob (Peggy) Jaynes, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Also left to honor and cherish his memory is his wife, Mary Alice Jaynes, and her family: sons Patrick (Stephanie) Pare and Christopher (Julie) Pare; grandchildren Joshua (Miranda), Jackson, Hayden, and Griffin Pare; great-grandchildren Carsen Wileart and Paisley Pare; and brother-in-law Alex Browning.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Zella Jaynes; his sister, Frankie Cook; and his former wife and mother of his daughters, Diana West Jaynes.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 5, at Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home. A service celebrating his life will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, with Rev. Ben Jordan officiating. Burial will follow in the Richmond Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Hospice Compassionate Care Center, 350 Isaacs Lane,