Michael “Mike” Armstrong

Mike passed away at his home in Paducah, Kentucky, on December 31, 2024. He was cherished by his children, granddaughter, family, and many friends.

Michael “Mike” Joseph Armstrong was born in Taylorville, Illinois, on January 30, 1965. He spent his teenage years at Herrin High School, where he played center for the football team. Mike excelled at the sport and was chosen to play in the first-ever Coal Bowl, which selected the best football players in the region.  

Mike furthered his education, earning a bachelor of science degree at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. He married Tricia Allen in 1987, and the two eventually moved to Paducah, where Mike accepted an entry-level position at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (USEC). The couple gave birth to a daughter, Katie, and a son, Jason, and raised their family together. The couple eventually parted ways but remained good friends until the end.

Mike worked his way up the ladder at USEC, ending up as an engineer and infrared thermographer. He specialized in ventilation to prevent machines from overheating. He loved working at USEC and felt a great sense of fulfillment.

Following heart surgery in 2010, Mike was unable to return to the job he loved at USEC and decided to spend his free time volunteering. What better place than Baptist Health Hospital? Anyone walking past the information desk in building 2, was greeted with an infectious smile and “how are you doing today?” Mike enjoyed connecting with patients and their families, giving directions, and doing his part to uplift everyone around him.

In July of 2023, Mike celebrated the arrival of his first grandchild, a little girl named Riley. He was a proud “Poppy”.

Mike was a member of First Baptist Church in Paducah, and a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan.   

The last year of his life was spent with his kind and caring girlfriend Debbie. Mike and Deb went everywhere together. The two enjoyed their time together and were a blessing in each other’s lives.

Mike was known for his positivity, always having the biggest smile on his face and a genuine heart. He will be so incredibly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Mr. Armstrong is survived by his daughter, Katie Shelton (Cody) of Metropolis, Illinois; his granddaughter, Riley Kate Shelton; his son, Jason Armstrong (Katherine) of Paducah; his sister, Tammy Clawson (Tom) of Moberly, Missouri; his girlfriend, Debbie Doughty of Paducah; his former wife, Tricia Allen Armstrong, of Paducah; and his mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces and a nephew.
 
Mr. Armstrong was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Marvin Armstrong, Jr. and Mildred Irene Clements Armstrong; his father-in-law, James Richard Allen.
 
Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 P.M. Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home with Bro. Billy Rogers officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens
 
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the Lone Oak Chapel.
 
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Baptist Health Foundation, 2501 Kentucky Ave, Paducah, KY 42003.
 
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.