LaNeil Baker, 90, of Paducah, KY (formerly of Elizabethtown, KY), passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Paducah at Baptist Health. She was born on November 11, 1934, in Friendship, TN, to the late John and Marguerite Powell.
LaNeil was a proud graduate of Murray State University, where she cultivated her passion for teaching and lifelong learning. Her dedication to education was evident in her long and distinguished career as an elementary teacher with the Elizabethtown Independent School District. LaNeil loved spending time with her family. In her retirement years, she was an avid reader and scrapbooker. She embraced technology and enjoyed playing games and researching on her iPad and computer.
LaNeil is survived by her three children, Karla (Richard) Walker of Boca Raton, FL, Elizabeth (Randall) Puryear of Mt. Juliet, TN and John (Darla) Baker of Paducah, KY; four grandchildren, Rachel (Tyler Mamone) Walker of Miami, FL, Megan Jane Walker (CJ) Steffens of Jacksonville, FL, Aaron (Peyton) Puryear of Mt. Juliet, TN and Daniel Puryear of Nashville, TN; four great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Liesl and Lively Puryear, and Cooper Steffens.
LaNeil was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 63 years, Karl Keith Baker, and a brother, Jon Franklin Powell.
In accordance with LaNeil’s wishes, there will be no visitation. There will be a private family graveside service in Elizabethtown at a future date.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to the American Heart Association or the charity of one’s choice.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah are in charge of all arrangements.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
