Jack Donta, 93, received his heavenly reward on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. He was a native of Ashland, KY born January 6, 1933 to the late William and Essie Donta.

He served in the US Navy as a gunner on the USS Pittsburg during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge he entered the field of Barbering, graduating from Tri-City Barber College and later Cosmetology School, becoming licensed in both fields. He was the former owner and manager of several Cosmetology Schools and Beauty Salons in West Virginia and Kentucky. He received the Honor of being commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by Governors Martha Layne Collins in 1987, Bereton Jones, and finally Paul E. Patton in 2001. Jack was also a 70 year member of Masonic Lodge #715 in Rush, Kentucky.

Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, William McCauley; six brothers; and two sisters.

He is survived by his lovely wife, Julia Ann (nee Farley) Donta; daughters, Beverly McCauley and Denise DeSpain (Steven); grandchildren, Kaitlin McCauley, Courtney Bowlin (Patrick), Brianna Vitt; great grandchildren, Andrew Pierce, Deacon Bowlin, Jentry Bowlin and Sunny Jo Bowlin; brother, Robert Donta (Kay); sister Doris Brantferger; favorite extended family, Monty Farley (Rene’) and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral is 2:00pm Saturday, May 23 at Fern Creek Funeral Home. Visitation is after 12:00pm until the time of the service. His body will be buried in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central at a later date.