ASHLAND — Prominent Ashland businessman, Don Korros, 83, passed away on Aug. 29, in St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn., following an extended illness.

Don was a highly-respected and legendary figure in the local business community for over 60 years. He generously shared his knowledge, wisdom, warmth, colorful personality and marvelous sense of humor, with generations of loyal customers and admiring friends. He was one of the last great merchants from the golden age of downtown Ashland business.

He was born Oct. 5, 1928, in Cincinnati, Ohio, because his mother wanted him born in a big city, but his residency was in Middletown, Ohio. He was the son of Abe Korros, who owned a tailoring and tuxedo business, and, Rose Fischoff Korros, a housewife. Don was educated at Middletown High School and the University of Cincinnati.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a dear son, David; and a brother, Herb.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Kaplan Korros. They met in college, and in 1950, they purchased Goddard’s Mens Shop in the Paramount Theater Building and rechristened it Don’s Paramount Men’s Shop. They later opened Don’s Men’s Shop on the corner of 15th and Winchester, where it has been a local institution since 1956.

Don and Betty Korros were a team in every sense of the word. They worked side by side throughout the years, embraced life’s every joy, and endured life’s every sorrow, with uncommon grace, unconditional love and total devotion to one another. They shared an absolutely “Wonderful Life” for 62 years.

Additional survivors include their loving sons who made him so proud, Mark Korros (Carin) of Seattle, Wash., Bob Korros of New Harmony, Utah and Bryan Korros of Los Angeles, Calif.; the grandchildren who kept him young, Ryan (Angel), Chad (Ruthie), Seth, Tracy Korros-Howard (Blake), Kerri, Violet, Dahlia and Brielle; and the great-grandchildren he loved to spoil, Kaylee and Hayden. Don is also survived by five nephews, four nieces and his cousins, all of whom meant so very much to him.

As a community leader for over half a century, Don held high office in the Jaycees, Shriners, Masons and Elks, and, as past president of the Optimists Evening Club. He introduced youth league football to Ashland. He was the first Boy Scout in Ohio to receive the prestigious Neir Talmud Award and the God and Country Award and was an Eagle Scout. He was a decorated member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and a Kentucky Colonel.

An accomplished photographer, avid collector of coins and stamps, shopper, dedicated gardener of backyard watermelons and tomatoes and loyal follower of UK sports, he was also an unapologetic fan of a popular daytime soap opera. Everyone knew you could phone Don while he was doing the books. You could phone Don while he was undergoing a delicate medical procedure. But you dare not phone Don during The Young and the Restless!

Don also had a serious side and a keen social conscience. His quiet behind the scenes work with then mayor, David Aronberg, C.B. Nuckolls, principal of Booker T. Washington High School and Roy White, owner of the Paramount Theater, helped bring about the racial integration of Ashland’s movie theaters and restaurants. He never sought credit, nor thought of himself as a civil rights pioneer. He simply felt it was the right thing to do.

Even during his illness, Don loved his business. He talked almost daily from Minnesota with his friend and colleague, Donny Rucker, the manager of Don’s Men’s Shop and Don’s Formal Wear. Don offered advice, loved to talk about buying new merchandise and go over the day’s receipts. He displayed his well-known boyish enthusiasm until his very last moments.

Don Korros shall be sorely missed by his family, friends, customers, former and current employees and the community he loved so dearly. This historic landmark, Don’s Men’s Shop and Don’s Formal Wear, proudly family owned and operated, will continue to remain open on 15th and Winchester for decades to come, in hopes of celebrating its 100th anniversary in downtown Ashland.

A masonic service will be conducted at 12:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, by the Poage Masonic Lodge 325 F&AM, with the funeral services immediately following at 1 p.m. at Steen Funeral Home-13th Street Chapel in Ashland, with Dr. Philip Greenland, Dr. David Frolich and Harry Korros officiating. Burial will follow in Ashland Cemetery.

Visitation  will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Korros Family Charitable Fund, P.O. Box 385, Ashland, KY 41105.

Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.