Charles E. Lakin Obituary March 28, 2016 - LeRette Funeral Chapel Inc

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Charles E.

Lakin

May 4, 1921 – March 28, 2016

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Obituary

Birthplace: Emerson, Iowa Resided In: Omaha, Nebraska Charles Edward Lakin, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away March 28, 2016 at the age of 94. Charles is survived by Florence, his wife of 77 years and three children: Diane (Lakin) Kilzer and her husband Bill of Denver, Colorado, Chuck Lakin and his wife Cyndee of Omaha, Nebraska, and Debbie (Lakin) Johnson and her husband Jerry of Ashland, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter Nancy (Lakin) Benson on October 29, 2015. Nancy's husband, Mark, resides in Fairfax Station, Virginia. Ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren also survive Charles Born May 4, 1921 to Harvey and Lena Lakin, Charles was raised in Emerson, Iowa. After graduating from Emerson High School, Charles married his high school sweetheart Florence Swoboda of Malvern, Iowa on August 4, 1938, and they continued their lives on a farm in the Emerson area. Charles and Florence raised their four children in Emerson before moving to Odebolt, Iowa in the mid 1960s. After a move to Omaha, Nebraska several years later Charles continued to grow his business. Winters spent in Arizona led to many dear friends as well. As a younger man, Charles was an avid boater, water skier, pilot, and loved life in general. Okay, he loved ice cream and peanut butter too! His spirit lives on in his children and their children. Charles and his wife Florence have been recognized throughout southwest Iowa and the Omaha area for their generosity and support of many local organizations. Among the projects started were the Outstanding Teacher Awards Program given annually to teachers in the Southwest Iowa area and the swimming programs at the Council Bluffs Boys & Girls Club and Completely Kids in Omaha teaching young children to swim believing this would save many lives. To date over 1,000 kids have successfully completed this program. The Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus of Council Bluffs, Iowa, which was dedicated in 2008 was possible because of Charles' great foresight and generosity. New projects of Charles' that are underway are the Charles E. Lakin YMCA Building in Council Bluffs and the Charles E. and Florence Lakin Community Center in Malvern. He will be remembered fondly by both community members and by the family he leaves behind. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Emerson, Iowa. Burial will be in the Emerson Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands, 815 North 16th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501. Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel of Red Oak, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

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Service:
Date: 4/9/2016 Time: 10:30 AM Comments:	Emerson First Baptist 705 Bradford Ave. Emerson, IA Get a Map Driving Directions
Burial:
Date: 04/09/2016 Time: Following the service Comments:	Emerson Cemetery US Hwy 59 and US Hwy 34 Emerson, IA Get a Map Driving Directions

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