John D. Lake

John D. Lake, loving father and wonderful grandfather, passed away on October 19, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Odetta Rae (Tolen) Lake.

John was born on June 23, 1930 in Cleveland, West Virginia. He graduated in 1948 from Buckhannon-Upshur High School in Upshur County, West Virginia. John complete basic training in July 1951 at Fort Myer, Virginia as a private, 3^rd infantry, ASN US 52 143 641. He proudly served his country as a member of the US Army during the Korean War.

John began his career in Fairborn, Ohio, with the Cement Division of US Steel  in 1958 as Assistant Chief Engineer. Since that time, John held various positions until 1982 when he was promoted to Assistant Plant Manager. A graduate of University of Dayton, John had a degree in Electrical Engineering. His career took him from Ohio to Pennsylvania, Alabama and then to Maryland where he was promoted to Plant Manager in June of 1985 at the Woodsboro, Maryland location.

John retired in 1997 from what was then LeHigh Portland Cement.  Once retired, he and Odetta moved to Florida to be closer to their grandchildren. John loved to relax playing cards and cooking steaks on the grill for family and friends. Mostly he loved making countless roadtrips to see his grandchildren play football, soccer, or cheer.

John took pride in everything he did; he was most proud of raising his family.

He is survived by his two daughters: Janetta Hopkins (Rich), Bridgetta Lake (Magle); his five grandchildren: Kenneth Johnathan McKellar (Kayneisha), Kevin Lake McKellar(Keema), Stephen Lee McKellar (Sara), Sabrina Rae McKellar, and Kaylee Jae McKellar; and great grandchildren: Jordyn, Amir,  Kendra, and Kenneth McKellar; sister-in-laws: Sharon Lake and countless nieces and nephews.

Service will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, 2:00PM, at Maximo Presbyterian Church in St Petersburg.