Leroy Lakey
1926 - 2012

Leroy Lakey, 85, died Sunday morning, June 17, 2012, in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Memorial services were held Wednesday, June 20, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church with Rev. Charlie Pierce of Jacksboro officiating.

Services are under the direction of Dutton Funeral Home of Iowa Park.

Leroy was born June 23, 1926, in Iowa Park, to J. Roy and Mary Yarbro Lakey. He graduated from Valley View High School. He graduated from Spartan School of Aeronautics July 30, 1948, and received a Bachelor of Science from Midwestern University May 24, 1951 and a Texas Teachers Permanent Certificate June 1, 1951.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946, where he served as Aviation Machinists Mate 3rd Class, and was an instructor at Sheppard AFB after he was honorably discharged June 10, 1946.

He started Lakey Outboard Motor Company in 1954 and owned and operated the business for 36 years. He married Maxine Russell in 1959. He was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and the Kiwanis Club. He was a lieftime pilot and airplane enthusiast. He was a member of the Confederate Air Force, AOPA, EAA and owned 38 airplanes over his lifetime, including one that he built. He was a certified A & P mechanic and taught maintenance at SAFB.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; and his sons, Richard and Don Christiansen, and Calvin Lakey.

Survivors include his wife, of Wichita Falls; children, Shawn Lakey and Cathy Aune both of Wichita Falls, and Cheri Douglass of Fort Worth; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Wichita Falls.

Condolences may be left at www.duttonfuneralhome.com