June 16, 2026
On June 11, 2026, Roman Parker Jenkins, age 30, a devoted son, brother, loving grandson, treasured friend, and gifted musician, passed away suddenly at his home in Lexington, Kentucky, leaving behind a legacy of love, music, and cherished memories.
Born at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Kentucky, Roman’s life was a melody from the very beginning. He picked up his first instrument, the violin, during elementary school, where he discovered a passion for music that would shape the rest of his life and inspire countless others along the way.
Roman was a gifted musician whose love for music touched everyone around him. He played several instruments, but the French horn held a special place in his heart. Music was mor than a hobby-it was a part of his soul. It brought him joy, excitement, and moments of genuine amazement. After finally mastering a difficult section of music, he would often surprise himself, exclaiming, “Wow, did I just play that? AWESOME! Now let’s do it again!”
Roman’s musical journey continued through the Raceland Middle and High School Band programs, including marching band, where he eagerly learned instrument after instrument and continually expanded his musical skills. He later attended Ashland Paul G. Blazer High School, further developing his talents and leaving a lasting impression before graduating with the Class of 2014.
Roman followed his heart wherever music led him, and that path brought him to Morehead State University. There, he embraced every opportunity to learn, perform, and inspire others as a member of the marching band, graduation with a bachelor’s degree in 2020.
After graduation, Roman began his career with Willis Music as a Music Education Representative, a role that quickly became a true passion. He devoted countless hours to travelling across Eastern Kentucky, visiting schools, strengthening music programs, and forming lasting connections with students and educators. With each new school added to his route, he saw another chance to share his love of music and encourage the next generation of musicians.
East Jesssamine High School was especially close to Roman’s Heart, where he served as a band instructor, music representative, mentor, and friend to the band program. He found genuine joy in helping students learn, grow, succeed, and discover the spark of music within themselves. His impact reached far beyond one school. As he shared that same warmth, encouragement, and passion with every student he met.
Roman was also an active member of the Jessamine County Community Band, where he shared his passion for music with fellow musicians who became lifelong friends. Through music, he formed countless meaningful friendships that enriched his life and the lives of those around him.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Roman was honored to become a member of three fraternities: Phi Mu Alpha, Theta Alpha Phi, and Alpha Sigma Phi. Through these organizations, he built lasting friendships and continued to grow as a leader, performer, and mentor.
Roman’s love for music also inspired the next generation. His cousins, Katelynn Fryer and Chloe Workman, developed their own passion for music, and Roman took great pride in teaching them how to read music, helping them develop their skills on their chosen instruments, and encouraging them as they performed in their school marching bands.
Beyond his life in music, Roman’s greatest joy was his family and friends. He especially loved the Christmas season, cherishing its traditions, excitement, and the time shared with those he loved most. Just days before his passing, he shared an excited conversation about upcoming Christmas plans and the memories still to be created. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his love for family was evident in everything he did.
Roman was preceded in death by his grandfathers, James Vinson Fryer, Sr. and Jerry Randall Stidham; his grandmother, Brenda Kay Stidham; and his aunt Pamela Sue Workman, all of Ashland, Kentucky.
He is survived by his loving family, including his mother, Rebecca Ann Fryer Stidham, his father, Roy Randall Stidham, and his sister, Brecca Rashea Jenkins (Sharlene Lampron and Brittany Watts), all of Ashland, Kentucky. He is also survived by his grandmother, Bonnie Sue Fryer of Ashland, Kentucky; his uncle, James V. Fryer Jr. (Barbara) of Flatwoods, Kentucky; his aunt, Rebecca Stidham Wilburn (John) of Wurtland, Kentucky; and his aunt Tammy Stidham Stephens (Walt) of Bolivia, North Carolina.
He will be remembered with love by his cousins and extended family, as well as his goddaughter, Amelia Chaffins of Richmond, Kentucky. Roman’s life was also shaped by deep friendships with Tanner Triplett (Angie) of Lexington, Kentucky; Everett Quiggins (Grace Cooke) of Louisville, Kentucky; and Casey Turner (Cameron Chaffins and their daughter Amelia Chaffins) of Richmond, Kentucky. He will be remembered for his bright spirit, kindness, and the joy he brought to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
As we grieve this unimaginable loss, we honor Roman by remembering the light he carried into the world-his love for family and friends, his passion for music, and the joy he found in the holiday seasons that meant so much to him. His kindness and bright spirit remain woven into our hearts.
Roman, may your melody rise beyond this world and echo among the stars. May you find peace in the beauty you created and shared so freely. You will forever be loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.
Services for Roman will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 1:00 P.M.at the Lazear Funeral Home Chapel in Ashland by Brother Everett Quiggins with burial to follow in Cribbs Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday, June 19, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 12 noon until service time Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are appreciated and may be made to Lazear Funeral Home in Ashland, Kentucky, to assist with Roman’s Celebration of Life.
Lazear Funeral Home is both honored and privileged to have been entrusted with the care of Mr. Jenkins.
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