Milner and Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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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 star

ted 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.

05/02/2026

Dr. William Duane Shidal, Jr., MD, a devoted radiologist, compassionate colleague, loving and generous uncle, and friend to many, passed away on April 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of care, dedication, and quiet kindness.

Throughout his career, Dr. William D. Shidal was known for his unwavering commitment to his patients. He approached each case with meticulous attention and a deep sense of responsibility, understanding that behind every image was a person relying on his expertise. His calm presence and thoughtful approach brought reassurance not only to those he treated, but also to the many colleagues who worked alongside him. He was a truly compassionate individual who cared deeply for his colleagues, always willing to offer support, guidance, or simply a listening ear. His kindness helped foster a sense of community in the workplace, and his steady presence made even the most demanding days more manageable.

He exemplified professionalism and integrity. He took pride in his work and remained committed to excellence throughout his career.

Outside of medicine, Dr. William D. Shidal found joy in the simple beauty of the natural world, particularly in his love of birds. Whether observing them in quiet moments or sharing his interest with others, this passion reflected his patience, attentiveness, and appreciation for life’s small but meaningful details.

He will be remembered not only for his skill as a radiologist, but also for his generosity of spirit, his humility, and the genuine care he showed to everyone around him. His impact will be felt for years to come in the lives he touched.

He is deeply missed and fondly remembered.

He is survived by his brothers, Randy (Virginia) Shidal of Paducah, KY, and Steve (Suzanne) Shidal of Paducah, KY; and his sister, Denise (Hal) Gilbert of Paducah, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Duane Shidal, Sr., and Ethel Henrietta Conway Shidal; one niece, Jacquelyn N. Shidal.

No services have been scheduled at this time. Milner & Orr Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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

05/02/2026

Kameron Dale Bristoe passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, in Paducah, Kentucky, at the age of 35.

Born on February 24, 1991, in Paducah, Kentucky, he lived his life with a steady spirit, a generous heart, and a remarkable ability to bring comfort and confidence to those around him. Kameron was the kind of person who could be counted on in any situation, and his presence left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He was a devoted husband, a loving son, an amazing dad, and a loyal friend whose kindness and strength will be remembered always.

Kameron spent more than 14 years working as a mechanic for Purcell Tire and Service Centers, where he earned the respect of his coworkers and customers through his hard work, dependability, and skill. He had a natural gift for fixing things and was often described as a jack of all trades. There seemed to be nothing he could not repair, improve, or figure out with patience and determination. His hands were capable, his mind was sharp, and his work reflected the pride he took in doing things well. Kameron was also a volunteer firefighter for the Concord Fire Department.

Outside of work, Kameron was a member of Lovelaceville Missionary Baptist Church. His church family knew him as a kind and steady presence, someone who valued fellowship, faith, and the importance of being there for others.

Kameron especially cherished his role as a father and husband. He found joy in his family and took great pride in the life he built with them. He is remembered with deep love by all who knew him. Kameron’s life, though far too short, was filled with purpose, devotion, and genuine care for others. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, church community, and all those whose lives were touched by his kindness and skill.

Kameron is survived by his wife, Breanna Joelle Adams Bristoe; his three children, Madison Deanna Rose Bristoe, Amelia Ann Bristoe, and Kaison Dale Bristoe; his mother, Audra Lynn Hawkins Bristoe of Paducah; and his brother, Conner Holt Bristoe of Paducah.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Dale Bristoe.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Lovelaceville Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Karson Elliott and Rev. Jared Hayes officiating.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the service hour of 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Lovelaceville Missionary Baptist Church.

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

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Bristoe Family C/O Lovelaceville Missionary Baptist Church 253 North Broadway St., Lovelaceville, KY 42060.

05/02/2026

Jackie Ray Harris, 84, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on May 1, 2026, at The Holiday Senior Living in Paducah.

Jackie was born on June 16, 1941, in Paducah, Kentucky, to the late Archie Alonzo Harris and Margaret Louise Record Harris.

Jackie was a former Golden Gloves boxing champion and retired as a Production Supervisor from Air Products after many years of service. He enjoyed cycling, hiking, traveling, bowling, and spending time with family and friends. Jackie proudly bowled a perfect game during his years in the bowling league. He later earned his captain’s license and purchased a sailboat named Always Saturday, where he and his wife enjoyed living for ten years. Jackie was known for his fun-loving personality and hardworking nature.

He is survived by his son, Tony Harris of Paducah, Kentucky; daughter, Paula Viniard of North Carolina; grandchildren, Amanda Harris, Mathew Dobson, Cassie Gott, Andrew Dobson, and Little Tony Harris; and niece, Renee Meeks.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Elsie Faye Hill Harris, and his sister, Peggy Jo Harris Wood.

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

Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services are handling the arrangements.

05/01/2026

William Todd Lasley, 55, known to many simply as Todd, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in Paducah, Kentucky at his home.

Born on September 26, 1970, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Todd lived a life marked by kindness and a genuine love for the people and things that brought him joy. He was a proud father, a loving husband, a wonderful son, and the best big brother anyone could hope for.

Todd was the owner of A Local Geek, where he shared his enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendly spirit with others. Through his work, he built more than a business. He created connections, offered support, and became a familiar and trusted presence to many. He approached life with a helpful heart and a humble nature, and those qualities left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Todd loved his God and lived every day for him.

Outside of work, Todd found joy in simple pleasures and lifelong passions. He loved creating and watching YouTube videos and could spend hours enjoying the wide variety of content that sparked his curiosity and entertained him. He also loved arcades, which were where he and his son would spend quality time together. A devoted dog lover, he had a special appreciation for the companionship and loyalty that animals provide. He was also a faithful University of Kentucky basketball fan, cheering with pride and enthusiasm for the team he loved. Todd’s creativity was another meaningful part of who he was. He was a singer, songwriter, a voracious reader, especially of Mark Twain and book writer. Above all, Todd will be remembered for the love he gave so freely and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life. He was very humble, very helpful, and deeply devoted to the people and passions that mattered most to him. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and encouragement, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Todd is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Sharon Gordon Lasley of Paducah, Kentucky; a son, Sawyer Lasley (McKenzie Nelson) of Paducah; his mother, Karen Rives Lasley of Paducah; his in-laws, Jerry and Donna Gordon; a sister, Tara Brown (Matt) of Paducah; two brothers, Torre Lasley (Jessica) of Richmond, Kentucky and Trace Lasley (Danielle) of McClean, Virginia; sister-in-law, Susanne Simon; two nieces, Kayla Simon (Oliver) and Braelynn Brown; and six nephews, Scott Simon, Bentley Brown, Patton Lasley, Jensen Lasley, Clay Lasley, and Cody Lasley.

He was preceded in death by his father, Carl “Pud” Lasley.

“Any emotion, if it is sincere, is involuntary.” - Mark Twain

A funeral service will be at 1:00 PM on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home with Pastor Todd Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the service hour of 1:00 PM on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home.

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

04/30/2026

Charles Dean Dodson, 84, passed away on April 27, 2026, at Southern Tennessee Regional Health System Pulaski Hospital.

Charles was born on February 23, 1942, in Arlington, Kentucky, to the late John B. Dodson and Mary Katherine Gill Dodson.

He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Charles received a student scholarship for the engineering program at UK, a reflection of his dedication and strong work ethic. In recognition of his character and potential, the governor nominated him as a Kentucky Colonel early in life, and he remained an active Kentucky Colonel throughout his years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. He went on to build a long and successful career as a civil engineer with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Charles will be remembered for his kind heart and the genuine way he connected with others. He never met a stranger, and everyone who knew him thought the world of him. He loved reading and was rarely without a book, building a collection that could rival any library. He also enjoyed golfing and was quite good at it. In his younger years, he was an avid tennis player and played basketball during his time in the Army. A devoted University of Kentucky basketball fan, Charles proudly “bled blue.”

Some of his happiest moments were spent traveling with his beloved wife of 48 years, Deborah, especially at their vacation home in Destin, Florida. He truly treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren, creating memories that meant so much to him.

Charles was a longtime member of Reidland United Methodist Church, where his children were raised, and he also attended Shoreline Church while in Destin, Florida.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Lynn Dodson of Destin, Florida; his children, Gabriel (Amber) Dodson of Paducah, Kentucky, and Nicole (Zachary) McGee of Fairbanks, Alaska; his brothers, Dwin (Emily) Dodson of Wi******er, Tennessee, Alan (Brenda) Dodson of Wadesville, IN, Indiana, and Jason Dodson of Carlisle County, Kentucky; his sisters, Wina (Billy) Patey of Carlisle County, Kentucky, and Lisa Dodson of Clinton, Kentucky; and his cherished grandchildren, Ava Dodson, Adalyn Dodson, Knox Dodson, Charlotte McGee, and Macklyn McGee.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, Kentucky, with Rev. Larry Buchanan officiating.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

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

04/30/2026

Wayne Anthony Fenwick, age 81, of Metropolis, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Baptist Health Paducah.

Wayne was born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 9, 1945, to the late Tony Ray Fenwick and Odie Mae Clark Fenwick. In his younger years, Wayne enjoyed playing the trumpet and was the song leader at West End Baptist Church. He proudly served 3.5 years in the United States Marine Corps.

Wayne is survived by his two sons, Michael Wayne Fenwick and wife, Lisa of Paducah, and Terry Lynn Fenwick and wife, Leigha of Huntington, West Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dora Mae Fenwick; his parents; and one sister, Glenda Fenwick.

A private burial will be held at a later date at Fooks Cemetery.

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

You may share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.

04/29/2026

Mary Lynn Hillmann, 85, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Center.

Born in Paducah on September 17, 1940, to the late William Edward Layman and Shirley Evelyn Hatfield Layman, she was a woman of immense creativity and community spirit.

A dedicated advocate for education, she served as President of the Reidland Elementary School PTA in the 1970s. She later established and became president of the Grandparents Club at Christian Fellowship School in Benton, Kentucky.

Creativity was a hallmark of Mary Lynn’s life. Her passion for the arts led her to co-own Three Lily Gallery, a studio that showcased local and regional artists, and offered personalized art instruction. A talented artist herself, she found great joy in tole painting, and especially loved teaching others traditional folk-art methods and encouraging their creativity.

She was a member of the Paducah Area Painters Alliance, former president of Quilt City Decorative Artists, and was honored as a Duchess of Paducah in 1981. A faithful member of Reidland United Methodist Church, Mary Lynn taught Sunday School for many years.

Mary Lynn had a lifelong love for travel, particularly cruising the globe together with her late husband, Hank, and sharing the memories they made along the way.

Above all, Mary Lynn will be remembered for her warm spirit, creative heart, and the love she shared with those around her.

Mary Lynn is survived by her daughter, Holly Hillmann (Jimmy Maddox) of Calvert City, Kentucky; her son, Andrew Hillmann (Cathy) of Shalimar, Florida; her grandchildren, DJ Story (Amanda) of Murray, Kentucky, Hunter Hillmann (Haley) of Calvert City, Kentucky, Steven Maness (Darbie) of Paducah, Kentucky, and Nicole Myers (Jordan) of Dexter, Missouri; and her great-grandchildren, Carter, Lindley, and Lawson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry W. “Hank” Hillmann Jr., and her sister, Kay Cloyes.

A memorial service for Mary Lynn and Hank will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 6, 2026, at the Reidland United Methodist Church, with Pastor Katie Minnis and brother-in-law Nick Cloyes officiating. Burial will follow on Sunday, at Antioch Christian Church cemetery in Big Clifty, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations, by check, to “McCracken County Special Olympics” with a note in the MEMO section stating “Donation”; Please send contributions C/O:

Holly Hillmann
41 Fooks Road
Calvert City, KY 42029

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

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

04/28/2026

Frances Hartman, age 102, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Mercy Health Lourdes.

Frances was born on October 9, 1923, in Cunningham, Kentucky, to the late Don and Lillie Angeline (Griffith) Sullenger. She was a devoted member of Lone Oak First Baptist Church. Frances worked for JCPenney for many years until her retirement. When it came to clothing, shoes, jewelry, or handbags, she would shop nowhere else. Family brought Frances the most joy. She enjoyed family dinners and spending time with those she loved most.

Frances is survived by four grandchildren, Tony McBride (Tammy), Dusty McBride, Bryan Holt (Lisa), LeeAnn Earwood (Scott); 8 great-grandchildren, Tori McBride, Kayla McBride Coleman (Ryan), Ashton McBride, Kensie McBride, Sam Earwood, Kaden Earwood, Miranda Cooper (Brandon) and Jacob Ogle; three great-great-grandchildren, Logan Cooper, Miles Cooper, and Tinslee Cooper.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Hartman, Jr.; two daughters, Donna Grassham and Phyllis McBride; one sister, Dessie Mae Watson; two brothers, Eddie V. Sullenger and L.B. Sullenger; two half-sisters, Jessie Sullenger and Bessie Sullenger; one half-brother, Ezra Sullenger; and her parents.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Bob Martin officiating. Burial will follow the service at Mt. Kenton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

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

04/28/2026

Austin Saint Clair Leavell passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 95, leaving behind a life marked by service to country and love for his family.

Born on November 5, 1930, in Trenton, Kentucky, to Baker and Myrtle Wheeler Leavell, Austin exhibited hard work, loyalty, and integrity throughout his life. He was proud to be an American and a true patriot who loved the United States of America deeply. Austin served his country with distinction in the United States Navy for 22 years. He retired after a long and dedicated career. He fought in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War and served as a Chief Petty Officer.

Beyond his military accomplishments, Austin was a man of simple pleasures. He was known for being loyal, honest, and dependable. He had a green thumb and took great pride in gardening. He especially enjoyed growing tomatoes and was known for making zucchini bread. He grew roses for his wife, Julia, a tender expression of his love and devotion.

Austin is survived by his two daughters, Deborah (Mike) France, Lt. Col. Retired, Air Force, of San Antonio, Texas, and Sharon (Keith) Price of Paducah; one son, Bruce (Dawn) Leavell of Paducah; seven grandchildren, Rachel (Jose) Alvarez of Pipe Creek, Texas, Brent (Devon) Price of Paducah, Lindsey (Josh) Wurth of Paducah, Samantha (Grant) Galley of San Antonio, Texas, Alexandria (Kevin) France of Anchorage, Alaska, Lauren (Ben Tidwell) Leavell of Portland, Oregon, and Gabriel Leavell of Murray, Kentucky; and eleven great grandchildren, Diego, Tristan, Makaela, Aubrey, Arabella, Austin, Owen, Abagail, Brody, Ansley, and Hadlee.

Besides his parents, Austin was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Julia Lee Addison Leavell; two sisters, Anne Leavell and Ruth Hall; and two brothers, John Leavell and Douglas Leavell.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 12 P.M. at the Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Dr. Brad White officiating. Burial will follow at the Edgewood Cemetery in Trenton, Kentucky. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 A.M. until the funeral begins at noon.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of gifts to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301 or to the Reidland Baptist Church, 5559 Benton Road, Paducah, Kentucky 42003.

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

04/28/2026

Shirley Turner Purvis, age 88, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Baptist Health Paducah.

Shirley was of the Methodist faith and a 1956 graduate of Lone Oak High School. Shirley was a graduate of Murray State University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, and 30 hours above the Master's. She enjoyed going to the many annual 1956 class reunions that were held each year. Shirley retired from the McCracken Board of Education, where she taught elementary students. She enjoyed traveling with her friends on many river cruises.

Preceding her in death in 2003 were her husband, Emmett James Purvis, parents, Ermine Turner and Offie Curtis Turner; one sister, Martha Bowerman, and one brother, James Turner.

Services will be held at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home, Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with classmate Retta Folsom officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home.

Expression of sympathy may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

04/28/2026

Gregory L. Franklin, 72, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026, at his home.

Gregory was born August 27, 1953, in Murray, Kentucky, to the late Alfred L. Franklin and Barbara McGregor Franklin. After graduating from high school, he answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force, where he was honorably discharged. He later built a long and dedicated career as an insurance agent.

Gregory truly enjoyed life in his own way. He loved spending time on the golf course, cheering on the University of Kentucky basketball, and watching NASCAR races. Some of his favorite memories were made traveling with his beloved significant other, Vivian, especially their trips to Gatlinburg and Florida.

Those who knew Gregory will remember him as a proud and private man, with a quiet but mischievous sense of humor that would often catch you by surprise. He was raised in the First United Methodist Church in Benton, Kentucky, a place that helped shape his early years.

He is survived by his significant other of 33 years, Vivian Rubenacker of Paducah, Kentucky; sisters, Gloria Franklin and Gina Franklin Howes, both of Benton, Kentucky; uncle, James Franklin of Alabama; grandson, Destin Rubenacker (Molly) of Paducah, Kentucky; niece, Darby Howes of Benton, Kentucky; nephews, Kaine Thompson (Karol), Grant Franklin, and Guy Howes (Bailey), all of Benton, Kentucky; great-niece, Loren Thompson of Benton, Kentucky; and great-nephew, Everett Thompson of Benton, Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Gayle McGregor.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the service hour of 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

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

04/27/2026

Esther Rose Freels, 82, of Paducah, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Charter Senior Living of Paducah. She was born on November 10, 1943, in Paducah, Kentucky, to the late Thomas Joseph and Juanita B. Lampley Porter.

Esther devoted many years of her working life to serving others as a retail manager at both Readmore Book Store and later at Ginger's Hallmark. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she attended Victory Baptist Church in Paducah.

Esther is survived by her son, Samuel Alonza (Ladonna) Ross of Jacksonville, FL; her grandson, Leon Joseph Ross of Jacksonville, FL; her sister, Kathy Woodall of Paducah; her brother, Thomas Leon (Bev) Porter of Lawrenceburg, KY, along with two nephews, Michael Porter and Jeremy Modglin.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Adrian Keith Freels; a son, Timothy Scott Ross; and a sister, Judith Ann Porter.

There will be no services. Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of all arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to McCracken County Humane Society, 4000 Coleman Rd, Paducah, KY 42001.

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

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120 Memorial Drive
Paducah, KY
42001

Telephone

+12704425100

Website

http://www.milnerandorr.com/

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