Donald Laferty

Donald Rudolph Laferty, 80, of Clearfield, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2015 at his home after an illness of several weeks.

He was born on December 6, 1934 in Martin, Kentucky, a son of the late Jesse and Zelda Samons Laferty.

Mr. Laferty made his career in the United States Air Force (21 years), having served in the Vietnam War era as a Radar Technician and Instructor.  He retired as Master Sergeant in 1975 and moved to Clearfield.

He worked for a second career as a Broadcast Engineer for Kentucky Educational Television in Morehead for 25 years, retiring in 2000.

Don graduated from Martin High School in 1952.

He was a FAA Licensed Pilot since 1994, a Major in the Kentucky Civil Air Patrol, a Medical Angel Flight Pilot and an Amateur (Ham) Radio Operator with Radio License Call: K4GFY.

Don was a member of the Morehead-Rowan County Clyde A. Thomas Regional Airport Board, the Corbie Ellington American Legion Post No. 126 and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

He was an accomplished musician and guitarist, loved aviation and enjoyed watching Martin Birds and was very interested in the Martin Bird population.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Carol Fraley Laferty, three children, Deborah Laferty Asbill of Tucson, Arizona, Donald (Tresa) Laferty, Jr. of Kansasville, Wisconsin and Neil Laferty of Chicago, Illinois, grandson, Kai Miller Asbill, three sisters, Maxine Thacker of Grayson, Valerie Hall of Allen and Sarah Lowe of Palm Coast, Florida, two brothers, Dean Laferty of Allen and Herman Laferty of Cub Run and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 20, 2015 in the chapel of the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home with Brother Joe Cline officiating.

Burial will follow in the Brown Cemetery.

Full military honors will be conducted at the graveside by Corbie Ellington American Legion Post No. 126.

Visitation is after 5 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be John Holbrook, Rodney Smith, Larry Laferty, Tim James, Eric D. Hall and Jim Epperhart.

Honorary pallbearers will be Airport Board Members.

Contributions are suggested to the Corbie Ellington American Legion Post No. 126, P. O. Box 58, Morehead, KY  40351 or St. Claire Hospice, 222 Medical Circle, Morehead, KY  40351.