Dr. Michael Lanier

          Dr. Michael Lanier, Emeritus Professor, Murray State University, 77, of Murray, KY; passed away October 31, 2024, at Spring Creek Health Care in Murray, KY.
Dr. Lanier was born in Kevil, KY. He graduated from Heath High School and went on to attend Murray State University, earning a bachelor's and master’s degree in biology. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, serving as treasurer. He briefly taught biology at Ballard Memorial High School before beginning a career in pharmaceutical sales. It was during this time that he obtained a pilot’s license, though he only ever flew recreationally. Weary of travel, Dr. Lanier then returned to West Paducah and worked at what is now the former USEC Plant. He then attended Southern Illinois University, earning a master’s degree and then a PhD in operations management. Dr. Lanier joined the faculty at Murray State University in 1991 in the College of Business, where he taught classes in management and marketing. During his tenure at MSU he served in the faculty senate and as a member of the MSU Roads Scholars program.  During this time period he also did consulting work for businesses such as Dippin’ Dots, Mattel, and Toyota. He retired from MSU in 2009, but remained active in education as a member of the Calloway County Retired Teachers Association.
Dr. Lanier valued education, something passed down from his own parents. He never hesitated in supporting and encouraging his children in all of their pursuits. He was a doting and loving son, brother, uncle, father, and grandfather. As far as his children are concerned, they won the dad lottery. They loved him beyond measure and will miss him immensely.  He was a large man with a large personality. He loved cars, particularly Corvettes, MSU football and basketball, the St. Louis Cardinals, playing golf, and all things nautical. Dr. Lanier was a longtime member of Bethel Christian Church in Kevil, KY, where he sang bass in the church choir.  He spent many summers camping and on the water at Kentucky Lake. In his youth, Dr. Lanier appeared on local television shows Romper Room and Dance Party on WPSD. He was known to spice up his classes by blasting hits from ZZ Top and was the ultimate sharp-dressed man. He was a fun-loving guy who will be missed by all who knew him.
Dr. Lanier is survived by his two children, Mr. Alan (Catherine) Lanier and Dr. Jessica Lanier (Jared) Sager, both of Murray, KY; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Lanier, William Lanier, Emma Lanier, and Daisy Sager, all of Murray, KY; one sister, Mrs. Nancy Alston, of Newport Beach, CA; one niece, Ms. Leslie Alston (Michael Zenker), of Houston, TX; one nephew, Mr. Ken Alston, of Newport Beach, CA, as well as two great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Leslie Theron Lanier and Mrs. Jewell Parker Lanier, of Kevil, Ky, and a brother-in-law, Dr. Jerry Alston, of Newport Beach, CA.
Visitation will be held at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Murray, Ky on Friday, November 22^nd, from 5-8 PM. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 24^th at Bethel Christian Church in Kevil, KY at 1 PM with the Reverend Keith Tilford officiating, with burial following at the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, the family asks that donations be made to the Murray State University Roads Scholar program in Dr. Lanier’s name. 
 
Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com