Alumni of Lone Oak High School (LOHS) - Paducah, KY

08/24/2026

Laurie Grugett Verbaere - Class of 1982

Laurie Anne Grugett Verbaere, age 61, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on August 18, 2026. She was born on December 7, 1964, in Mayfield, to James Earl Grugett and Mary Evelyn Smithson Grugett.

Laurie was a member of Broadway Church of Christ, where her faith was an important part of her life. Her church family was a meaningful source of fellowship and encouragement, and she valued the bonds she formed through worship and shared belief. Her faith guided her in daily life and reflected the kindness and humility that defined her character.

Creativity was one of Laurie’s greatest joys. She was imaginative and had a passion for crafts of any kind, finding happiness in making beautiful things with her hands. Whether working on a project or exploring a new idea, she approached her interests with enthusiasm and care. Her creative spirit was a reflection of her personality, always thoughtful, expressive, and full of life.

Laurie also had a deep love for animals, especially horses and Corgis. Her affection for them was genuine and heartfelt, and they brought her great joy throughout her life. She appreciated the beauty, loyalty, and companionship they offered, and her love for them was one more expression of her tender and caring nature.

Laurie is survived by her husband of 26 years, Jim Verbraere; one sister, Susan Bell of Paducah; two nieces, Jessica Lambert (William) of Paducah, Morgan Lassiter (Lubie) of Paducah; one step-daughter, Emily Holshouser (Cain) of Paducah; two step-sons, Matthew Verbaere (Kim) of Louisville, Kentucky, Scott Verbaere of Brookport, Illinois; five grandchildren, Jakob, Meagan, Gabriel, Conrad and Elijah.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Carol Lee; one granddaughter, Isabella Verbraere, and her parents.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 1:30 pm at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with Dustin Campbell officiating.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home.

Milner & Orr Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Broadway Church of Christ. 2855 Broadway St. Paducah, KY 42001.

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07/15/2026

Class of 1972 - 55 year Reunion
September 24 and/or 25, 2027
(during BBQ on the River)
Location and ticket sales coming soon.
Save the date!
Contact Linda Hatley at [email protected]
if you have questions.

07/03/2026

Morgan Sue Clark Hobbs - Class of 2012

Morgan Sue Hobbs, 32, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Born and raised in Paducah, Kentucky, Morgan was a 2012 graduate of Lone Oak High School. She continued her education at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education and began a career that perfectly reflected her compassionate heart. Throughout the years, she taught in the Fulton, McNabb, and Hendron-Lone Oak school systems. Most recently, Morgan served as the preschool teacher at Lone Oak First Baptist Church, where she was also a faithful member. Teaching was more than a profession to Morgan; it was her calling. She had a remarkable gift for making every child feel loved, valued, and safe. Parents trusted her wholeheartedly, knowing their children were receiving not only an excellent education, but genuine love and care each day.

Morgan lived life with unmatched joy and enthusiasm. She was the kind of person who could brighten any room with her contagious laugh, warm smile, and bubbly personality. Known by many as the “life of the party,” she had a rare ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued. She never met a stranger and formed lasting friendships wherever life took her.

Creativity was another of Morgan’s many gifts. She loved helping others feel beautiful by doing makeup for weddings and special occasions, a talent that came naturally to her and brought confidence and happiness to so many.

Her faith was an important part of her life. She was actively involved in her Bible study group and the LIFT Group, where she built meaningful friendships and continued to grow in her relationship with the Lord. Morgan also enjoyed gathering with friends as a member of a Bunco group, where laughter and fellowship were always plentiful. She especially enjoyed spending time on the golf course as a member of the Rolling Hills Country Club Ladies Golf League, one of her favorite pastimes.

Morgan also had a tremendous love for animals, especially her beloved pets, each of whom was affectionately named after her love for Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball. Her first baby, her beloved dog, Cali Sue, was named after Coach John Calipari. She later welcomed Rupp, named for Rupp Arena; her cat, Tucky; and her miniature dachshund, Jobi, named after coach Joe B. Hall.

She cherished family vacations to the beach, loved being on the water, and treasured every moment spent with friends and family. Above all else, Morgan’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being a mother. Her daughter, Iva Grace, was the center of her world, and there was no title Morgan loved more than “Mom.”

Morgan is survived by her husband of six years, Corey Hobbs of Paducah, Kentucky; her cherished daughter, Iva Grace Hobbs; her parents, William Robert “Billy Bob” Clark and Darla Leneave Clark of Paducah, Kentucky; her brother, William Austin Clark (Jamie Cahoe) of Springfield, Kentucky; her grandmother, Betty Leneave; her niece, Laeni Clark; her aunts, Kaloia Boatwright and Debbie Dew; her uncles, Gary Leneave, David Leneave, Mike Leneave, and Mike Boatwright; along with many cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and countless students and families whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill and Iva Nell Clark, and Don Leneave.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home with Dr. Scott Thomas and Dr. Dan Summerlin officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Kenton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour of 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made for the benefit of Iva Grace Hobbs. Donations may be made at any local Signet Credit Union or mailed to Signet Federal Credit Union, 163 Pecan Court, Paducah, KY 42001.

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06/10/2026

Todd Lasley - Class of 1988

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.

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06/09/2026

Susan Jones Lanier - Class of 1979

Susan Jones Lanier, age 64, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 1:18 p.m. at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center. She was born on July 19, 1961, to Roy Wilson Jones and Eva Westerfield Blackford. Susan was a member of the Grace Valley Baptist Church in Kevil, Kentucky. Susan was a 1979 graduate of Lone Oak High School and a retired Bookkeeper.

Susan, having no children, doted on her nieces and nephews and loved having them around along with other family members. She learned to enjoy riding motorcycles with her husband. Susan had a keen interest in animals, especially her dogs. She enjoyed her flowers and yellow roses.

Survivors include her husband, Steven D. Lanier; step-son, Andrew Chase Lanier, Las Vegas, Nevada; four sisters, Barbara A. (Lee) Turner, Gage, Kentucky, Lynn (Paul) Jones, Kathy Kneer, both of Paducah, Kentucky, and Rita Wilson, Chattanooga, Tennessee; two brothers, Thomas W. Blackford, Benton, Kentucky and Pete (Debbie) Jones of Paducah, Kentucky; several nieces and nephews.

Preceding in death were her parents, Roy Wilson Jones and Eva Westerfield Blackford, and her stepfather, Billy Joe Blackford.

Services will be held Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, with Freddy Daack and Thomas Blackford speaking. Burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in Gage, Kentucky. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until service time of 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Expression of sympathy may be made to the McCracken County Humane Society, 4000 Coleman Road, Paducah, KY 42001.

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05/11/2026

05/11/2026

Now Accepting Nominations!
McCracken County Schools is proud to launch our Hall of Fame, and we need your help to recognize those who have made a lasting impact on our schools and community.
We are honoring past students, teachers, staff, coaches, teams, and contributors for their excellence and influence.
✨ Two Categories:
• McCracken County High School Hall of Fame
• Hall of Heritage (Heath, Reidland & Lone Oak)
Nomination Deadline: June 1, 2026
Submit your nomination today: www.mccracken.kyschools.us
Let’s celebrate the individuals and groups who have helped shape the legacy of McCracken County Schools!

05/11/2026

Location and ticket sales coming soon. Save the date! Contact Andrea Hughes if you have questions.

05/11/2026

Frances Dodge Hazel - Class of 1982

Frances Dodge Hazel, known and loved by most as Fran, passed away at her home in Evansville, Indiana, on April 28, 2026.

She was hilarious, free-spirited, and usually a little quiet… until she decided you were one of her people. And once you were, you got all of her—quick wit, real laughter, and a whole lot of singing.

Fran loved Jesus. That was never a question. It showed up in how she lived, how she loved, and how she carried herself through life.

Music wasn’t just something she enjoyed. It was part of who she was. She grew up singing in church, studied music at Liberty University and Belmont University, and sang her whole life.

She spent her career in healthcare, caring for others with an empathy only she could offer. From her time in various nursing facilities to her work at Gateway Deaconess Hospital, she had a gift for meeting people where they were and caring for them with warmth, patience, and dignity.

Her greatest joy was being a mom to Alison. And then she became Jase’s YaYa. He was the light of her life. She loved girls' lunches, adventures with Jase, and settling in with PBS. The simple moments were the ones she held onto most.

Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Hazel, her father, Carlton Dodge, and her grandparents, William and Lucille English, and Clifton Dodge.

She is survived by her mother, Deanna English Phelps, and Larry Phelps of Calvert City, her daughter Alison Armstrong Hillman, her son-in-love Jason, and her precious grandson Jase of St. Louis, along with many cousins and friends who miss her already.

She made it very clear she didn’t want a room full of black and sadness. She wanted an outdoor celebration of life because she would be at the feet of Jesus.

A graveside service will be held on May 13th at 11 am at Highland Park Cemetery (223 Central Avenue, Mayfield, Kentucky). Wear something with color. Come ready to celebrate a musical life.

And if there’s singing… that would be exactly right.

Condolences can be sent to: Alison Hillman, 9909 Manchester Road, #416, Saint Louis, MO, 63122.

Frances Dodge Hazel, known and loved by most as Fran, passed away at her home in Evansville, Indiana, on April 28, 2026. She was hilarious, free-spirited, and usually a little quiet… until she decided you were one of her people. And once yo

05/11/2026

Russell Duncan - Class of 1972

Russell Lynn Duncan, age 73, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Wickliffe, Kentucky. He was born on November 25, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late James E. and Lucille Rhea Duncan.

Russell lived a life marked by dedication, service, and a steady appreciation for the simple joys that made each day meaningful. He was a graduate of Lone Oak High School and later served his country honorably in the United States Army, carrying with him the values of discipline, responsibility, and commitment throughout his life. Following his military service, Russell built a respected career as a Traveling Surgical First Assistant. He took great pride in his profession and especially enjoyed the opportunity to travel and work alongside the most accomplished surgeons in the country.

Outside of work, Russell was an avid reader and had a vast knowledge of many subjects. He loved nature and had a passion for camping and fishing, finding peace in the outdoors and in the calm moments that nature provided. He also loved music, playing guitar, and watching movies. It was those pastimes that gave him comfort, entertainment, and a chance to unwind. Whether he was spending time in quiet reflection or displaying his deep love and compassion for animals, Russell appreciated the value of a life well lived and the importance of making time for the things that brought him happiness.

Russell is survived by his dear friends, Rebecca Anderson of Goodletsville, TN and Patricia Wells of Paducah. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Elaine Duncan.

There are no services scheduled at this time. Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services are in charge of all arrangements.

Russell will be missed by his friends.

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