Obituary for David Lakin II
David E. Lakin II, 67, of Pekin passed away Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Pekin Hospital. He was born August 31, 1946 in Akron, OH to David and Geraldine Lakin. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents and brother, John Lakin. He is survived by his sons, David Lakin III of Washington, Daniel Lakin of Chicago; daughters, Marie Lakin of Washington, Brittney Eagan of Pekin, Tiffany (Eric) Judd of Peoria; grandchildren, Bailey Lakin, Isaac Lakin and Jaxson Hockenbury; special friend, Joann Hosbrough of Metamora; brother, Melvin (Darlene) Waters of Peoria and nieces and nephews, Angie, Diane, Sharon, Chad and Dustin. Dave served in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard for 34 years. Nominated as Senior NCO of the Year five years in a row, he was a Distinguished Graduate of the Air National Guard NCO Academy, recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal and served over 12 years as narrator for the Honor Guard. For 10 years, Dave worked for Lincoln’s Challenge recruiting at-risk youth for a “boot camp” style mentorship program where recruits were taught life skills to assist them in becoming contributors in their communities. Dave was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America. First himself a scout, he again became active as David’s (his son) Cubmaster and later as Daniel’s (his son) Scoutmaster. He later served as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Explorer Post Advisor, Roundtable Commissioner, and District Training Chairman. He completed the Wood Badge leadership course. Dave was awarded the District Award of Merit, Scouters Key, Scouters Training Award, and the Silver Beaver Award. As a scout, Daniel brought home Native American ceremonial costumes which needed repair and thus began his involvement with Order of the Arrow to which Dave was elected to the Vigil Honor member. As a father he enjoyed spending countless hours coaching, umpiring, counseling, consoling, traveling between games, concerts, meetings and camping while enjoying watching his kids grow up. Later in life Dave attended and graduated from the University of Illinois at Springfield, a moment he was most proud. As a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Assembly No. 210, Council No. 3507 in Pekin, he was the Deputy Grand Knight. Some would also add Chief Chicken Fryer to his title as he could be found many a day and night at the KC hall frying chicken, wrangling the fish fry, organizing dinners and enjoying a drink at the KC bar. If you follow him on Facebook, please remember Tuesday’s are Taco Tuesday at the KC hall. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin where he served as a Lector and Usher and was very active in St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, February 13, at 10 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate with burial at the War Veteran’s Cemetery in Pekin. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Abts Mortuary in Pekin with a Rosary at 4 p.m. followed by the Chalice presentation by the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. A Broken Arrow Ceremony will be preformed following the visitation at 7:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in his name to St. Vincent DePaul, Knights of Columbus Council 3507 or the Boy Scouts of America. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Abts Mortuary in Pekin. On-line condolences may be made at abtsmortuary.com
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