Donald  Lee  Lake

Donald Lee Lake, 80 of Oak Grove, MO, beloved husband, father and friend, passed away, Friday, May 1, 2015. He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 58 years, son Roger, daughter Rhonda and son-in-law Timothy Butters, and grandchildren Rebecca and Zebediah. A celebration of life for Don will be from 4 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2015 with a brief memorial service to be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. After the service Don’s family invites everyone to remain to enjoy one of Don’s favorite meals to conclude his celebration of life. Don was born January 31, 1935 to Willie Roy and Elvira (Surber) Lake in Burlington, KS. He graduated from Burlington high School in 1953 and joined the Naval Reserve while in high school and went on active duty with the US Navy. During this time he married Patricia Jule Elliott of Independence, MO on February 16, 1957. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Don was employed by the Internal Revenue Service until he retired on July 28, 1990 after 36 years of government service. Following retirement Don became an enrolled agent and together with his wife Pat, established Lakes Tax Service to assist people with tax return preparation and dealings with the IRS. During his lifetime Don was an active member of many community and school groups and organizations in addition to the National Association of Enrolled Agents, National Treasury Employees Union, National Insulator Association, Greater KC and Independence Racing Pigeon Clubs. He was proud to serve the Boy Scouts of America as a cubmaster, then as troop committee member. He and Roger attended Bartle Scout Camp 5 years, where Don became an Honorary Warrior with the Tribe of Mic O Say. Don was always devoted to his family and enjoyed all kinds of family activities. This kind, gentle and loving man will be forever missed by his loving family and all who knew him. To recognize the many times they took such good care of Don, the family encourages donations to the Don Lake Memorial Fund for SNI Valley EMS Equipment, c/o State Bank of Missouri, P.O. Box 303, Grain Valley, MO 64029. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)