(LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Ky.) — Don Ringstaff, a beloved coach and educator who shaped generations of basketball players in Livingston County, died Wednesday January 28, 2026. He was 84 years old.
Ringstaff spent two decades as head boys basketball coach at Livingston Central High School, compiling more than 300 victories and establishing one of western Kentucky’s most respected basketball programs. His influence extended far beyond the court, touching countless lives as a teacher, mentor, and community pillar.
Born February 27, 1941, in Iuka, Kentucky, Ringstaff’s basketball career began in his family’s backyard on packed dirt with a makeshift goal. He became a standout player at Livingston Central, scoring 1,838 career points and earning First Team All-State honors in 1959 when the Cardinals made their only state tournament appearance.
In that tournament game against Olive Hill, Ringstaff set a state record that still stands today: 20 completed free throws in a single game. He scored 46 points in that contest. His stellar senior season earned him a spot in the Kentucky All-Star Game versus Indiana.
Ringstaff’s athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to Vanderbilt University, where he was named Sophomore Player of the Year and All-SEC Third Team. He later transferred to Southeast Missouri State University, where he finished his collegiate career.
In 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Sue, beginning a partnership that would last 64 years.
After graduating, Ringstaff returned to his alma mater as a health and physical education teacher and head basketball coach in 1966. For 20 years, he led the Cardinals to 10 regional tournament appearances, including two regional runner-up finishes and seven Fifth District Championships. His teams played in packed gyms where standing-room-only crowds united the community around Cardinal basketball.
Ringstaff retired from teaching in 2000 but remained deeply connected to Livingston County athletics. He was inducted into the KHSAA Hall of Fame as both a player and coach in 2002 and the KABC Coaches Court of Honor in 2006.
Just two weeks before his death, on January 12, the Livingston County Board of Education voted unanimously to name the high school basketball court “The Don Ringstaff Court.” When told of the honor, he responded with characteristic humility: “Well, that will be alright.”
In retirement, Ringstaff enjoyed commercial fishing and spending time with his family, often shuttling grandchildren to games across the region. All of his children and grandchildren are graduates of Livingston County Schools.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; children Jody Wright, Greg Ringstaff, and Robin Leidecker; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Livingston Central High School on Don Ringstaff Court. Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, January 31, after 5 p.m. at Boyd Funeral Directors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Livingston County Athletics, PO Box 219, Smithland, KY 42081.
