With immense sadness, we share the news that founding partner John Livesay has passed from this life, at the age of 80, on September 9, 2019. Leaving a successful career at a national firm, Mr. Livesay, along with Joel Deming, Bill Malone, and Armand Ostroff, formed Deming Malone Livesay & Ostroff in 1975, a local, independent ‘Louisville original’ firm that would do business differently, and have a significant impact on our community in the process. The firm grew to one of the largest accounting firms in the Louisville area, and continues the legacy instilled by John and the other DMLO founders of giving back, celebrating its anniversary each year with a DMLO Day of Service.
A graduate of Lexington’s Lafayette High School and the University of Kentucky, John was a highly regarded CPA in Louisville. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, a UK fellow and he enjoyed Wildcat Sports. He loved golf, gin rummy, gambling on sports, casinos, and horseracing (finished in top 20 of a National Handicapping Contest). John also participated in the Louisville Jaycees and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was a member of Big Spring Country Club for over 50 years and lately enjoyed Jack’s Lounge.
John was born February 28, 1939 in Danville, Virginia to the late Carrie Lee Powell Livesay and C. S. Livesay, Jr. He was the beloved husband to Jeannie, his wife of 56 years; they have two children and five grandchildren.
Chris Ward, President of DMLO CPAs, commented “John was a wonderful man and we will forever be grateful to him for taking a risk and starting our great firm with Joel, Bill and Armand back in 1975. Our hearts go out to Jeannie and the entire Livesay family.”
Bill Malone, founding partner, said “John was a great accountant and an even greater friend. He was passionate about serving his clients. His unselfish attitude toward our firm had much to do with our growth and success.”
To celebrate his life, all are invited to drop by Big Spring Country Club on Saturday, September 14 from 4-6 P.M. and lift a glass to John. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in John’s memory be made to Heuser Hearing & Language Academy, 111 E. Kentucky Street, 40203.