Donald M. Slaven, age 90 years and 9 months, of Stearns, Kentucky, widower of Valda Newport Slaven, passed away April 21, 2025, at the Ephraim McDowell Medical Center and was placed in the care of the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home.

Born July 21, 1934, in Rattlesnake Ridge, Kentucky, Don was the beloved son of Dewitt Slaven and Janell Duncan Slaven. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict, a time that helped shape the resilience and dedication that defined his life.

After his military service, Don wore many hats from working a rail line and operating several commercial chicken houses to owning a trucking company. His life was defined by a deep love for music, a passion for storytelling, especially stories about growing up in Worley Coal Camp, and a genuine warmth that touched all who knew him.

Not one for retirement, Don was lastly the proud owner of West 80 Country Music for over thirty years, leaving a lasting mark on the local music scene. A professional guitarist, he had the rare honor of playing alongside country legends such as George Jones, Patsy Cline and others.

Outside of music, Don was an avid reader and a true lover of Westerns both in books and on the screen. He was a devoted baseball fan and never missed a chance to enjoy a good game or a great conversation. Don found great joy in the company of family and friends, always ready to share a story, a laugh, or a piece of wisdom.

Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, Valda Newport Slaven, sister, Billie Jo Davis, brothers Jack, Jim, Mark, Merrill, Alton, Paul and Eugene Slaven.

Surviving are daughters, Donna Belcher (Jamie) of Bowling Green, and Janie Slaven of Stearns, brothers Gary (Brenda) and Mike Slaven, special friend Bill Roberts, who was like a son to Don, several nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be at the funeral home after 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 23. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Pine Knot Cemetery.

Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Don Slaven.