Beloved Princeton Pastor and Coach Michael 'Shane' Board Dies at 55

The community mourns the loss of a man known for his faith, humor, and dedication to youth sports.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:35pm

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a pastoral scene in soft pools of warm, golden light, conceptually representing the reflective mood of a small-town community mourning the loss of a beloved local figure.The Princeton community remembers a man known for his faith, humor, and dedication to youth sports.Princeton Today

Michael 'Shane' Board, a 55-year-old resident of Princeton, Kentucky, passed away on March 31, 2026, at his home. Board was a beloved figure in the community, serving as a pastor, bricklayer, construction worker, cattle farmer, and hunting guide over the years. He was also a standout baseball player in high school and spent many years coaching youth sports teams, including with the Tri-County Titans and Post 68 American Legion team.

Why it matters

Board's passing is a significant loss for the tight-knit Princeton community, where he was known for his infectious positivity, deep faith, and unwavering commitment to mentoring young athletes. His legacy as a pastor, coach, and all-around pillar of the community will be long-lasting.

The details

Board was born on June 24, 1970, in Princeton, Kentucky, to his parents, Mike and Sharon Faye Board. He dedicated nearly a decade to working at CC Metals and Alloys in Calvert City before transitioning to roles as a bricklayer and in various construction jobs. Around 2010, he became an ordained minister and served as the pastor of Lewistown Christian Church and Suwanee Furnace Baptist Church, sharing his love of God with his congregations. Board also spent time working on a cattle farm and, for the last six years, found joy as a hunting guide for quail and pheasant at Winghaven Lodge in Providence.

  • Board passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • He was born on June 24, 1970.

The players

Michael 'Shane' Board

A 55-year-old resident of Princeton, Kentucky, who was known for his faith, humor, and dedication to youth sports as a pastor, bricklayer, construction worker, cattle farmer, and hunting guide.

Mike Board

Board's father.

Sharon Faye Board

Board's mother.

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What’s next

Funeral services for Michael 'Shane' Board will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Morgan's Funeral Home in Princeton, Kentucky. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the same location.

The takeaway

Board's life was a testament to the power of faith, community, and a genuine love for others. His passing leaves a void in Princeton that will be deeply felt, but his legacy as a beloved pastor, coach, and friend will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.