Daren Pahl, 61, of Gilbertsville, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center.
Daren was born to Noel Pahl and Carol Ann Oliver Pahl on May 15, 1963, in Marion, Illinois.
As a proud graduate of Marion High School, Daren’s athleticism earned him recognition as one of the Top 10 high school pole vaulters in the United States achieving All-American status. Even today, he still holds the school’s record. He continued his athletic career while earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Murray State University. While at MSU, he qualified for the NCAA National Track and Field Championship twice, making the finals on both occasions. He still holds the Outdoor Pole Vault Record for MSU.
Daren spent many years in the dirt and excavating field and the last several years working as a Belt Service Manager for Petter Supply, but his passion was being outdoors. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed duck hunting and bass fishing with his friends and family. One of the things he enjoyed doing most outdoors was spending countless days out on the farm prepping for the upcoming hunting seasons so that his friends and family could come and enjoy. From the time spent with his children on the farm and hunting to coaching little league baseball teams and spending six years as a pole vaulting coach for Marshall County High School, Daren found a way to create many memories while passing along some of his passions to his children.
He is survived by his wife, Ellen Kennedy Pahl; his three sons, Caleb Pahl of Gilbertsville, Trace Pahl of Calvert City, and Houston Cruce (Ashley) of Fredonia; one daughter, Taylor Cruce; four grandchildren, Kinlee Kingston, Kennedy Estes, Maggie Cruce, and Colby Lyon; his mother, Carol Ann Oliver Pahl; and his brother, Derek Pahl of Gilbertsville.
He was preceded in death by his father, Noel Pahl.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center, 1530 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, KY 42003, or to Cassidy’s Cause Therapeutic Riding Academy, 6075 Clinton Rd., Paducah, KY 42001.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY 42025.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann. Bro. John Hagan and Bro. Chris Moore will officiate, and burial will follow at Macedonia Cemetery in Kuttawa.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Daren’s Tribute Wall.