Obituaries

Donald C. Embs, 93, passed away at his home in Newport, KY, on June 29, 2026, surrounded by his family. Don was born on May 9, 1933, to Strother and Goldie (nee Farmer) Embs, in Newport.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Gloria Beasley, and first wife Garnet (nee Stokely).

He is survived by his devoted wife Susan; his loving daughters Susan Head (Hugh) and Shari Lother (Johnny); his five grandchildren Courtney Smith, Hughston Head, Holden Head, Alexandria Musk (Justin), and Bradley Embs; his four great-grandchildren Isabel, August, Frances, and Heathcliff.

Don worked as a carhop at White Castle well before graduating from Newport High School in 1951; he received his B.S. degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1955, and his M.Ed degree from Xavier University in 1962.

He served in the U.S. Army before beginning his career as a teacher and principal for Cincinnati Public Schools. Don was a runner-up in the 1987 Hall of Fame by the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators. Under his leadership, Losantiville Elementary became the top-rated elementary school in Cincinnati Public Schools.

He served as director of Camp Meacham during the summers. He worked at Riverfront Stadium during the era of the Big Red Machine. He was an accredited swimming instructor, as well.

After retiring from CPS, he went on to become the Director of Coalition Schools, Interim Principal for Cincinnati Elementary, and supervised student teachers for the University of Cincinnati, as well as teaching classroom management.

Don was an avid tennis player and golfer (with two accredited Holes in One). He enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad, as well as vacationing in Hawaii. He enjoyed a well-lived and well-loved life. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A visitation for Don will be on Thursday, July 2, from 12:00-2:00 PM at Fares J. Radel Funeral Home, 822 York Street, Newport, Kentucky. A celebration of life will be held at the home of Shari and Johnny Lother.