Coach Don Ringstaff, a true Livingstonian, heard the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant” on the morning of January 28, 2026. He was just one month shy of his 85th birthday.
Born February 27, 1941 to the late Dewey and Lordine Ringstaff, Don was raised in Iuka, Kentucky, alongside his seven brothers and sisters. In the backyard of his family home—on packed dirt with a makeshift goal—he learned to love the game of basketball, a sport that would shape the trajectory of his life and the lives of countless others along the way.
Don played basketball for Livingston Central High School, scoring 1,838 career points and earning First Team All-State honors in 1959 after the Cardinals made their one and only appearance in the state tournament. In that tournament game against Olive Hill, Don completed 20 free throws—still a state record—and scored 46 points. His outstanding senior season earned him a starting position in the Kentucky All-Star Game versus Indiana. Through hard work, determination, and skill, Don earned an athletic scholarship to Vanderbilt University. During his sophomore season, he emerged as a starter and was named Vanderbilt Sophomore Player of the Year, All-SEC Third Team, averaged 11.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, and ranked fifth in the SEC in true field goal percentage.
In 1961, Don married his high school sweetheart, Sue, and they have been inseparable ever since. He played his final two collegiate seasons as a starter at Southeast Missouri State University.
Shortly after graduating from college, Don accepted a position at his alma mater as Health and Physical Education teacher and Head Boys Basketball Coach. Coach Ringstaff led the Livingston Central Cardinals from 1966 to 1986, building one of the region’s most respected basketball programs. Gyms were open rain, sleet, or snow, and his relentless dedication flowed directly into the athletes he coached. Those twenty seasons produced countless stories—standing-room-only gyms filled with cigarette smoke rising to the rafters, doors propped open in hopes of ventilation, and a community united by Cardinal basketball.
Under Coach Ringstaff’s leadership, the Cardinals reached the regional tournament ten times, finishing twice as regional runner-up. They advanced to regionals seven times as Fifth District Champions, and over his 20-year career as head coach, Coach Ringstaff recorded more than 300 victories. He retired from teaching in 2000.
In recognition of his impact on Kentucky basketball, Coach Ringstaff was inducted into the KHSAA Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach in 2002 and the KABC Coaches Court of Honor in 2006.
In retirement, Mr. Ringstaff spent much of his time commercial fishing, though Livingston County athletics was never far from his heart. He could often be found shuttling his grandchildren from gym to gym to watch great teams play, running “summer camps” in the front yard where fundamentals mattered most, or tuning the radio to a game when he couldn’t be there in person. In the Ringstaff living room, there was always an announcers voice and game playing in the background.
Mr. Ringstaff loved Livingston County and his family—and he loved both fiercely. He passed that love on to his children and grandchildren, all graduates of Livingston County Schools. On January 12, 2026, the Livingston County Board of Education voted unanimously to permanently name the high school basketball court “The Don Ringstaff Court,” a lasting reminder of the profound impact he had on Livingston County Schools.
In nearly 85 years, Mr. Ringstaff filled many roles—student, athlete, parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, mentor, and friend—none of which he took lightly. When told of the honor of having the court named after him, he simply smiled and replied, in that unmistakable voice, “Well, that will be alright.” Those who knew him best know he never did anything for recognition, but because it was what needed to be done. It is hard to find someone in Livingston County, Western Kentucky, or even across the state who doesn’t have a “Don Ringstaff” story. The lives he shaped and the paths he helped change will continue to make this county—and him—proud.
Mr. Ringstaff was of the Christian faith and a member of Salem Baptist Church. Though his passing leaves a void, his family finds peace in knowing that he knew his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that they will see him again.
Mr. Ringstaff leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Sue Ringstaff; his children, Jody (Jerry) Wright of Lola, Greg (Kim) Ringstaff of Salem, and Robin (Terry) Leidecker of Ledbetter; and his grandchildren, Tara (Chad) Bell, Chance Wright, Kenley (Zack) Hefner, Heath Ringstaff, Hannah (Colton) Ramage, and T’Roy (Isabella) Ringstaff. In recent years, his great-grandchildren—Bradie, Gracie, Briley, Elsie, Colbie, and JackDon—brought him immeasurable joy.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Dewey and Lordine Ringstaff; his brothers, Jack, Jimmy, Roy, and Bradie; his sisters, Ruby, Barbra, and Gladys; and his grandson, Zack Leidecker.
Funeral services will be Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2 PM, at Livingston Central High School, on Don Ringstaff Court, with speakers Bro. David Davis, Bro. Josh Bumpus, and Mr. Mike Riley officiating. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be former teammates, players and coaches. Special seating will be available.
Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, January 31, 2026 after 5 PM in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Livingston County Athletics, PO Box 219, Smithland, KY 42081.
Condolences may also be left online at boydfuneraldirectors.com.
