Lawrence "Blackie" Lakin

Lawrence F. “Blackie” Lakin, 86, of Huntington, West Virginia, died on Thursday, June 21, 2012, at St. Mary’s Hospital following a brief illness. He was born September 4, 1925, the son of the late James and Lyda Frazier Lakin of Fort Gay, West Virginia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife, Doris Short Lakin; his beloved son, Michael Scott Lakin, on December 22, 2011; two sisters, Blanche Wellman and Virgie Pelfrey; and one brother, Richard L. Lakin , who was killed in action in 1945 fighting against the German army during World War II. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou Pelfrey Lakin, and their children: Richard L. Lakin (Kaye) of Ashland, Kentucky; Patti Lakin Smith (Ted) of Milton, West Virginia; Larry M. Pelfrey (Teresa) of Huntington, West Virginia; and Lynn Pelfrey Kearns (John), of Oak Hill, Virginia. He was a very caring grandfather to Andrew Richard Lakin; Kathryn Patricia Lakin; Andrew and Tyler Pelfrey; and Jack, Bradley, and Caroline Kearns. He is also survived by three sisters: Barbara Wright (Clifford) of Richmond, Kentucky; Mary E. (Glendell) Frasher of Columbus, Ohio; and Sue Stanley (Jay) of Knoxville, Tennessee. Additional survivors include: sisters-in-law Gloria Short Billups (James), of Louisa, Kentucky; Carole Short Yetter (Ed) of Zanesville, Ohio; Treva Watts Short (Bill) of Louisa, Kentucky; Margaret Ann Michael (Ralph), of Ft. Gay, West Virginia; and Dorothy Wellman Perry (David), of Orlando, Florida; and brother-in-law Joe Wellman of Ft. Gay, WV. He also leaves behind a host of adoring nieces, nephews, and their children. He was a proud Army veteran of World War II, having served as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division. He saw action against the Japanese Imperial Army on the on the island of Luzon, P.I., where he was severely wounded. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation medal, Good Conduct medal, and Combat Infantryman’s badge. He retired as chief dispatcher from Norfolk-Southern Railroad, where he was employed for 38 years. He was a member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church in Huntington, West Virginia, and of American Legion Post 93, who will conduct military rights. He was also a member of Disabled American Veterans and VFW Post 1064. Visitation will be at Reger Funeral Home on Saturday, June 23, 2012, from 2-4 and 6-8. Funeral services will be conducted at on Sunday, June 24, 2012, at 2 p.m. by Dr. Allen Reasons. Burial will follow at Ferguson Cemetery in Ft. Gay, West Virginia. Eulogies will be delivered by son-in-law Ted Smith and great-niece Ashleigh Oatts. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Flowers are appreciated, or donations may be made to Fifth Avenue Baptist Church Missions Fund or Big Hurricane Baptist Church, Fort Gay, West Virginia.