Lannie LaTane Stegall

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lannie LaTane Stegall, 82, of Lexington, Kentucky. He passed away on March 3, 2025, at his winter home in Naples, Florida. He was the son of the late Reverand Orman and Mildred Stegall of Mayfield, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his older siblings, Dalton Stegall of Mayfield and Murielle Hendrickson of Owensboro. Lannie is survived by his wife of 39 years, Betty Caldwell Stegall, his daughter Laura Anna Stegall, his granddaughter Alexis Sachleben and his niece, Angeleta Hendrickson, all of Louisville. 

Lannie was a proud graduate of Murray State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He went through ROTC at Murray, and upon graduation received his commission as a lieutenant in the United States Army. He learned to fly while he was in ROTC at Murray, and that began a life-long passion and love for flying and eventually owning his own small two-seat Sting Sport airplane. On pretty days he would head to the airport and take off either by himself or with a friend and soar all over Central Kentucky to take in sights from a bird’s eye view. He was stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas where he was a battery commander in charge of testing Nike Hercules missiles at White Sands, New Mexico. 

Following his time in the army, he worked at General Rubber and Tire in Mayfield and then moved to Louisville to start a six-year employment with Standard Oil which later became Exxon. He then found his true calling, which was to own and operate his own businesses. Lannie’s first business was Rent A Wrench in Louisville which was a combination auto parts store and a do-it-yourself garage. 

Lannie then moved to Midway, Kentucky and became the business manager of Midway University for several years. During this time, he designed and built a home on Elkhorn Creek in Woodford County. 

For the next 30 years Lannie began a career developing new proprietary products for which he held patents. He owned and operated several businesses which sold the products he developed. In 1989 he developed the idea of non-floating trench drains which later became Trench Former. Trench Former is now the dominant drain system being used. After he sold that company, he developed Take a Seat and RV Sani Con. Lannie had 27 patents awarded to him throughout his long career.  

He loved coming up with new ideas, solving problems and then proving the concepts in the marketplace. Lannie thrived on challenges and loved using his math and science background as a vehicle for new ideas. 

Lannie loved to travel, meet new people and drive fast cars, especially Porsches. He loved going to Red River Gorge and eating pizza at Miguels. He hated cold weather, which was one of the main reasons he spent the last several years living in Naples, Florida during the winter months. He also loved West Kentucky BBQ. 

Lannie’s legacy will be one of love for his family and friends, lots of laughter and unwavering support for this great country. He was a proud veteran who always offered unwavering support to veterans in need. Lannie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. When asked by his daughter Laura Ann how do you want to be remembered, he replied, “that I was good to people.” 

Lannie’s services will occur on Friday, May 16, 2025: graveside service at 2:30 pm at Camp Nelson National Cemetery followed by a celebration of life service from 3:30 until 6:00 pm at Clark Legacy Center on Brannon Road in Nicholasville. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Lannie’s memory and honor to the Central Kentucky Veterans Committee (CKVC Facebook Page).