Milner and Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Home
United States
Paducah, KY
Milner and Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services

For generations our family has been helping area families through the difficult days of their lives. In 1926, Roy M.

Our goal is to compassionately guide families through difficult times by providing a professional staff, exsquisite facilities, and personal service. Around Western Kentucky, many families can trace their roots back over a century or more. Well, that's how long we've been serving the community with caring service, personal attention, and a heritage that has continued for seven generations. We started as a small general store in the town of Lowes, Kentucky. The family business was an important part of the daily lives of the families around Western Kentucky. In the late 1800's, caskets were made and sold at the general store. During the early 1900's, the Lowe family began funeral services. Lowe attended mortuary school and built a state-of-the-art funeral home in 1940. The family horse-drawn hearse soon gave way to newer funeral coaches. Andrea Milner Orr's parents, Judith and Billy Joe, soon expanded the family's trade by opening in other small Kentucky communities. Today, Andrea and Randy Orr offer the caring family service in five locations: Paducah, Lone Oak, Bardwell, Wickliffe, and Arlington. For over 150 years, Western Kentucky families have trusted Milner and Orr because we're hometown folks. We know the area, we know you, and we believe in families helping families.

09/26/2025

Sherman Darnell Knox, 77, of Clinton, Kentucky passed away on September, 24, 2025 at his residence. Sherman was born on May 15, 1948 to the late Sherman and Maeola Knox.

Sherman dedicated over 15 years of his life to the state highway department, where his steadfast work ethic and playful spirit left a lasting imprint. To know Sherman was to experience his larger-than-life presence, but anyone who truly knew him knew that his passions lay in the great outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he took every opportunity to be outside. These moments, often shared with close friends and family, were among his most treasured. His love for the outdoors extended to his own backyard, where he could be found tending to his yard or working on cars. Most of all, Sherman will be remembered for his good cooking and playful spirit. He adored teasing and playfully aggravating those closest to him, always in good fun and with the warmest of intentions. His laughter was infectious, and his presence at family gatherings was a source of light-heartedness and joy.

Sherman is survived by his partner of 15 years, Pamela Knox; two step-daughters, Christina Jones, of Union City, Tennessee and Josey Carter of Eloy, Arizona; one step-son, Elton (Delana) Freeman, of Clinton, Kentucky; three sisters, Lisa Darlene Knox, of Columbus, Kentucky, Tonya Elizabeth Knox of Columbus, and Patrese Cantrell Knox of Columbus; one brother, Edwin Arnez Knox, of Columbus; aunt, Gloria Deberry, of Columbus; 16 grandchildren, 10 of them being, Adrian Cons, Kaidyn Jones, Hoillo Gray, Olivia Jones, Francisco Murillo, Rebecca Freeman, Lashawna Freeman, Marcelene Freeman, Wynter Freeman, and Westen Freeman.

He is preceded in death by two sisters, Sharon Lynn Knox and Tawana LouAnn Knox; one brother, Barry Lathorne Knox and his parents.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Columbus, Kentucky with Rev. Derrick Fitts officiating. Burial will follow at Columbus Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Columbus, Kentucky.

Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.

09/26/2025

James "Jamie" Borders, 44, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, at Mercy Health Lourdes in his hometown of Paducah, Kentucky.

Born on September 3, 1981, Jamie's life was a testament to the enduring spirit of hard work, familial devotion, and the simple joys of nature. He was a cherished father, beloved son, dedicated worker, and an outdoor enthusiast.

Jamie spent a significant part of his professional life as a respected drywall installer with West Kentucky Drywall. His attention to detail and skillful hands were only overshadowed by his unwavering commitment to excellence on every project he undertook. His colleagues at West Kentucky Drywall remember him not only for his professional proficiency but also for his amiable nature and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Jamie found his greatest peace under the open sky, whether fishing on the lake. Jamie was exceptionally family-oriented, a value evident in the close relationships he maintained with his relatives and his role as a father. His son was his greatest accomplishment, and the source of his most profound joy. Jamie instilled in him the same values of love, determination, and appreciation for the simpler things in life.

Jamie is survived by a son, Caleb Borders of Paducah; his mother, Covetta Neihoff of Paducah; his father, James Ricky Borders; three sisters, Candace Borders, Kara (Keith) Roberts, and Cassandra Borders all of Paducah; a brother Billy Neihoff of Paducah; eight nieces and nephews, Chelsie, Rilei, Jeremiah, Ethan, Gage, Kayden, Keenan, and Bentlee; three great nieces and nephews, Ava Grayson, and Brayden.

He was preceded in death by, his loving wife of 15 years, Melanie Little Borders; his grandparents, James and Freda Neihoff; and a niece, Natalee Hicks.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Free Spirit Biker Church 2380 John L Puryear Dr, Paducah, KY 42003, with Bro. Dennis Lawrence officiating.

The Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.

09/26/2025

Bill Whitlow, age 93, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Mercy Health Lourdes. He was born on January 13, 1932, in Mayfield, Kentucky, to Voris Whitlow and Willa Spain Whitlow. Bill was a graduate of Mayfield High School and attended Murray State Teachers College, where he received his Bachelor's Degree. He was a long-time member of Bible Baptist and then became a Deacon and Elder Emeritus at Heartland Worship Center in Paducah. Bill worked at CSI and then transferred to the Paducah Board of Education, where he designed the Computer Center.

Bill was awarded a Duke of Paducah and a Kentucky Colonel. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a member and past president of the Paducah/McCracken County Retired Teachers Association, and a member of the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association.

Bill is survived by his wife of 72 years, Barbara Carter Whitlow; one son, Jeff Whitlow of Paducah, Kentucky; and one granddaughter, Morgan Whitlow of Pensacola, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Voris Whitlow and Willa Spain Whitlow, and one sister, Jauan Cornman.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, with Dick Vasseur officiating. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with Military Honors.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 29, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until the service time of 2:00 p.m. at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

Expression of sympathy may be made to Heartland Church, 4777 Barkley Drive, Paducah, Kentucky 42001, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

You may leave a message of sympathy and light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.

09/25/2025

James “Billy” York, age 83, of Smithland, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center.

Billy was born on January 29, 1942, in Waynesboro, Tennessee, to the late Homer Bill York and Aileen Christine Long York. He dedicated many years of service as a chief engineer with Crounse Corporation, where he was recognized for his diligence and dedication.

A true outdoorsman, Billy loved fishing and spent most of his time enjoying outdoor labor. He was also a pretty good golfer in his prime and never passed up a good meal. Billy was known for being an exceptionally hard worker, with a work ethic like no other. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and friends.

Billy was a member of Smithland First Baptist Church, where he found great joy and fellowship with his church family.

He is survived by his two sons, Scott (Jacqueline) York and Sam (Terri) York; one brother, Elbert York; eight grandchildren, Shelbie (Landon) Evans, Gracie (Cody) Koebel, Belle York, Sam York, Chloe (Eric Quick) York, Emily (Cameron) Higdon, Jeremy Styers, and Jacob Styers; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Faye York; one sister, Margaret Ann; and one brother, Wayne York.

Per the family’s wishes, there will be no service at this time.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.

Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.

09/24/2025

Please join us next Friday, October 3, 2025 at Heartland Church in Paducah for our widows' support group. We typically meet the second Friday of each month, but our October meeting is a week early. For any questions, please call our office--270.442.5100.

09/22/2025

John G. Lyman, 63, of Clinton, Kentucky, passed away on September 20, 2025, at Mercy Health Lourdes in Paducah, Kentucky. John was born in Clinton, Kentucky, on March 15, 1962, to the late Charles and Rachel Lyman.

A “good ole country boy” through and through, John spent many years as a dedicated farmhand on Deweese Farms. His hands, lined and worn, spoke volumes of the countless hours he spent working the land. Farming was more than a job to him; it was something he truly loved to do and be a part of. When John wasn't out on the farm, he could be found watching westerns, especially anything featuring John Wayne. Above everything, John cherished the moments he spent with his grandchildren. Every moment spent with them was priceless, and there was nothing he wouldn't do for them.

John is survived by his four children, David (Melissa Miller) Lyman, of Metropolis, Illinois, Nicki (Darryl) Brown of Clinton, Kayla LeAnn Lyman, of Clinton, and John Matthew (Katie) Lyman, of Bardwell, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Montana Lyman, Armando Lyman, Adriana Lyman, and Lily Lyman; three sisters, Kathleen (Randy) Grubbs, of Clinton, Betty Green, of Mayfield, Kentucky, and Patricia Burgess, of Clinton; five brothers, Jerry Lyman, of Clinton, Kevin Lyman, of Clinton, Mike Lyman, of Mayfield, Gary (Betty) Lyman, of Clinton, and Charles (Mary Jane) McDaniel, of Clinton.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Lou Lyonhurst and Brenda Terry; five brothers, Larry Gene Lyman, Robert Lyman, Leeroy McDaniel, Raymond McDaniel, and Paul McDaniel; three nephews, Shane Lyman, Josh Lyman, and Teddy McDaniel; and his parents.

A Graveside Service will be on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Clinton, Kentucky. Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Arlington is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Arlington.

Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.

09/21/2025

Thank you Mike Rothwell for 14 years of service to Milner & Orr Funeral Home and the families of Western KY! Best wishes on the next chapter…

09/21/2025

Randy "Kit" Atkinson, known affectionately as Kit to his family and friends, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky.

Born on October 23, 1960, in Paducah, Kit lived a life marked by dedication, warmth, and a love for the little things that make life meaningful. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Murray State University, an achievement that laid the foundation for a successful and respected career. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to building not just structures but also a strong community, Kit became the respected Owner and Operator of RKA Construction. His professional demeanor and dedication to excellence were further honed through numerous certifications acquired through the American General Contractors, standing as a testament to his lifelong love of learning and growth. Kit’s heart held a special place for animals, with his loyal dog R***r being his constant companion and source of joy. Kit's animal-friendly spirit was a trait that those who knew him could not help but adore. An avid sports lover, Kit found solace and excitement in the thrill of the game, whether he was playing, watching, or discussing the latest scores with friends. Most importantly, Kit was a true family man. Kit would do anything and everything he could for those he loved.

Kit is survived by a stepdaughter, Tiffany Johnson (Micah Seaton) of Paducah, Kentucky; a stepson, Aaron (Claudia) Koenig of Oak Harbor, Washington; six grandchildren, Rhett, Eli, Lilah, Warren, Caiden, and Aria; two nieces, Holly (Brian) Turner and Heidi (Teddy) Davies; four great nieces and nephews, Tatum, Fallyn, Anderson, and Hugh; and a brother, Zane (Sandy) Atkinson of Paducah.

Kit was preceded in death by his loving wife, Alisa Canter Atkinson; and his parents, William and Charlene Pruitt Atkinson.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Garrett Burns officiating. Burial will follow at Palestine Cemetery in West Paducah, Kentucky.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com

09/19/2025

June Kaufman, age 88, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away at 4:20 am on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center.

June was born on March 4, 1937 to the late Richard Anthony Shoulta and Hazel Staton Shoulta. She was a lifelong member of the St. John Catholic Church. June loved her church and enjoyed helping at the St. John Picnic, preparing funeral meals, or wherever else she was needed. She retired from Lourdes Hospital where she worked as a cafeteria coordinator. June’s second retirement brought her to Wendy’s Restaurant where she enjoyed seeing people. She loved her family, especially having grandchildren and great-grandchildren around.

Survivors include two daughters, Janet (Donnie) Englert of Paducah, Kentucky, and Glenda Fayta of Lake Villa, Illinois; two sons, Robert Kaufman and Gary (Vivian) Kaufman, both of Paducah, Kentucky; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Preceding in death were her husband, Leroy Kaufman; one son, Rick Kaufman; one daughter, Mary Ann Kaufman; one sister, Shirley Henderson; three brothers, Roscoe Shoulta, Bill Shoulta and Jim Shoulta; one grandson, Kyle Kaufman, and her parents.

Services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, September 22, 2025 at the St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Bruce Fogle officiating. Burial will follow at the St. John Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with Prayers at 5:30 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. John Catholic Church, 6705 Old US Highway 45 S., Paducah, Kentucky 42003.

Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.

09/19/2025

Anna Lois Burnett, 95, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away at her home on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. She was born on November 20, 1929, in Marshall County, Kentucky.

Anna was employed for many years at Florsheim Shoe Factory, where her role was known as “bottom filling.” Outside of work, she was active and full of life. She enjoyed exercising with friends at Planet Fitness, tending to her garden and yard with her natural green thumb, and preparing home-cooked southern meals that her family will always remember fondly.

She was known for her warmth, her hardworking nature, and the love she poured into her family and friends.

Anna is survived by her daughters, Joyce Smith, Deborah Britt, and Sharon Stuart; her sister, Shirley Stamper; her brother, Keith McCoil; her eleven grandchildren, twenty-nine great-grandchildren, and twenty great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, R.L. Burnett; a daughter, Darlene Schmidt; two sons, Ronnie Burnett, and Edward Burnett; a grandson, Steven Burnett; her parents, Robert Bell, and Odean Lawson McCoil; two sisters, Etoil Jones, and Novella Everly; and her brother, Curtis McCoil.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Lone Oak, with Rev. Bob Martin officiating. A burial will follow at Lowes Cemetery in Lowes, Kentucky.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until the service hour of 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Lone Oak.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or the National Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 676910, Dallas, TX 75267-6910.

Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.

09/19/2025

Jessie Belle Johnston Ferren, age 92, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday morning, September 17, 2025, at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville.

Jessie Belle was born on Monday, October 17, 1932, in Nortonville, Kentucky, to Dr. John E and Louise Johnston. She was a retired hairdresser who will be remembered for her faith expression in the Baptist church, the joy she found in traveling, in later years with her senior citizens group, and her strong love for all her grandchildren.

Mrs. Ferren is survived by her daughters, Sandra Moore (James) of Madisonville, Kentucky, Sharon Moore (Russ) of Morton’s Gap, Kentucky, and Susan Stollings of Slaughters, Kentucky; her stepson, William Gordon Ferren, Jr; her sister, JoAnn (Wayne) Adams; her six grandchildren; and several great and great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Ferren was preceded in death by her husband, William G Ferren, Sr; her sister, Joyce Johnston; and her brother, John Johnston.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev Tod Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Ledbetter, Kentucky.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to The Senior Center of Paducah/McCracken County, 1400 H.C. Mathis Drive, Paducah, KY 42001.

Share a memory or leave a message of encouragement for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.

09/17/2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Phyllis Persha, 76, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, on September 15, 2025. Phyllis was surrounded by her loved ones when she passed peacefully in her sleep.

Phyllis was born September 10, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois. In 1977, she married her loving husband Bob, whom she met while working at the Illinois Central Railroad Company. Purchasing their house in Paducah, they soon made it a home with three kids. Phyllis enjoyed listening to the radio while watching her kids play. She would often participate in the talk show games the radio would host. Phyllis was always the nurturing soul who made everyone feel at home, truly personifying the role of 'mom to everyone.’

Phyllis had many hobbies that poured out into her children's lives as they grew up. Being a very active participant in her children's extracurricular activities, she loved coaching her daughters’ softball teams, competing in her son’s Boy Scout annual chili cookout, and instructing kids in the community on how to bowl. After being given the title ‘Granny’ in ‘94, she passed on her artistic passions to her grandkids through art and music.

Growing up in the countryside of Chicago with seven brothers shaped her into an avid lover of the outdoors. In her spare time, while her kids were away at school and her husband at work, Phyllis enjoyed fishing at Kentucky Lake and bringing them home to cook.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 47 years, Robert Persha; two daughters, Suzanne (Alex) Carlucci and Melissa Persha; one son, Michael Persha; one sister, Margaret (Jeff) Schoendorf; two brothers, Chuck (Sue) Waitekus and Jimmy (Linda) Waitekus; and six grandchildren, James Tyler Shaddix, Raven Noel Perkins, Samantha Perkins, Brant Perry, Ryan Carlucci, and Nickolaus (Elizabeth) Persha.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas B. Waitekus and Beatrice Paige Waitekus; five brothers, David Waitekus, Bob Waitekus, Danny Waitekus, Thomas Waitekus, and John Waitekus.

A funeral service will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Mark Delaney officiating. Visitation will begin at noon and continue until the service starts at 2 P.M.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of gifts to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or to the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave Suite 1710, Nashville, Tennessee 37232.

Share a memory or leave an encouraging message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.

Address

120 Memorial Drive
Paducah, KY
42001

Telephone

+12704425100

Website

http://www.milnerandorr.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Milner and Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Milner and Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Paducah?

Our Story

Around Western Kentucky, many families can trace their roots back over a century or more. Well, that's how long we've been serving the community with caring service, personal attention, and a heritage that has continued for seven generations. We started as a small general store in the town of Lowes, Kentucky. The family business was an important part of the daily lives of the families around Western Kentucky. In the late 1800's, caskets were made and sold at the general store. During the early 1900's, the Lowe family began funeral services. In 1926, Roy M. Lowe attended mortuary school and built a state-of-the-art funeral home in 1940. The family horse-drawn hearse soon gave way to newer funeral coaches. Andrea Milner Orr's parents, Judith and Billy Joe, soon expanded the family's trade by opening in other small Kentucky communities. Today, Andrea and Randy Orr offer the caring family service in five locations: Paducah, Lone Oak, Bardwell, Wickliffe, and Arlington. For over 150 years, Western Kentucky families have trusted Milner and Orr because we're hometown folks. We know the area, we know you, and we believe in families helping families.

09/26/2025

09/26/2025

09/26/2025

09/25/2025

09/24/2025

09/22/2025

09/21/2025

09/21/2025

09/19/2025

09/19/2025

09/19/2025

09/17/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Our Story