Leroy Ernest Lakey passed away on February 20th after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born February 9, 1934, in Neodesha, Kansas to Enos and Doris Loretta Biggs Lakey, Leroy was the 5th of 6 children. His youngest brother Carl did not survive infancy. Thus, his brothers Bill, Jack, Arlie and sister Addie Mae Stark affectionately referred to Leroy as “Babe” for the rest of their lives.
Leroy was a veteran of the Korean war, stationed in Germany. Upon his return, Joyce Hanna asked Leroy to a Women ask Guy sock-hop dance, and soon they fell in love. Joyce and Leroy were married on August 29th, 1956. With the support of Joyce, Leroy graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in electrical engineering. In 1963 they moved to Anderson, Indiana to study Christian ministry at Anderson Theological Seminary. Leroy, however, realized his real calling was to be an effective lay minister. Thus, he transitioned to the advanced engineering department at Delco Remy, where he spent most of his career inventing new automobile parts and thereby earning multiple patents. Following his career with General Motors, Leroy transitioned to helping several companies (XADS and Pete Bitar) in Anderson with their electrical engineering needs and did not finally retire until age 80.
Leroy lived out his Christian faith by serving people in meaningful way: he had a deep passion for those that are lost and struggle in life. He served for 35 years in the Gideons International, serving as an officer of the local chapter for many years. He was active in Park Place Church of God and their Truthfinders Sunday school class, serving in multiple roles. Leroy spent many weekends visiting the local men’s homeless shelter and doing jail ministry.
Leroy loved his family deeply and unconditionally, especially Joyce. His engineering skills came in especially handy when helping his kids with science fairs, pinewood derbies, and other competitions. As his kids got older, Leroy would drop everything and drive across the county when needed to help them.
Leroy’s hobbies included genealogy, and he was especially proud that he found a way to trace our family linage back to the Scottish kings. He loved riding motorcycles, making funny faces with his children, eating black walnut ice cream, wearing cowboy boots, Colts football, and laughing. A quiet and thoughtful man, he had a unique ability to write amazing short poems to honor his friends. He also was gifted in the ability to fix almost anything.
Leroy is survived by Joyce, his beloved spouse of 69 years, and children (Brian, David and Michele) and grandchildren ( David Leroy Lakey Jr., Katherine Lyn Lakey, and Benjamin Luke Lakey.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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