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John W. Lakin Ft Walton Beach, FL QCWA # 8889 Chapter 84 |
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Retired Air Force Col. John W. Lakin, age 90, of Ft. Walton Beach died Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009. He was born on July 28, 1918 to Harry and Myrtle Lakin of Dike, Iowa. He married Roberta Harned of Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1943. A career serviceman of 26 years, Col. Lakin entered federal service in 1941 as an enlisted radio man when the Iowa National Guard was called to active duty. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (Vietnam) and the Joint Service Medal (Strike Command). Following his military career, John worked as an operations analyst with Data Dynamics, Inc., as administrative manager for Vitro Services Division, and as Operations Research Analyst and Deputy Chief of the Operations Analyst Office, Tactical Air Warfare Center on Eglin AFB. Col. Lakin was a member, deacon and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Walton Beach. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club and a charter member of the Northwest Florida Military Officers Association. His main hobby was electronics and "ham" radio. His service to the community included leadership in the local Red Cross Chapter, mentoring elementary students, membership on the city television and cable committees, and 11 years as a member of the Ft. Walton Beach Emergency Management Agency. John was preceded in death by his parents; his oldest son, Marine Lt. John Hayes Lakin; and his brother, Kenneth Lakin.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Roberta Harned Lakin; his son, Robert C. Lakin (Karen); his daughters, Judith Brooke (Randy), and Virginia Webber (John); his five grandchildren, John R. Lakin, James Lakin, Justin Brooke, Sara Webber Salyers (Wayne), and Melissa Webber; his great-grandson, Nathan Salyers; his brothers, Harry Lakin (Grace), and Robert R. Lakin (Dorothy); his sister, Dorothy Pape; and his sister-in-law Lola Lakin.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at 11 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Walton Beach. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Col. Lakin will be laid to rest in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla. on Wednesday at 2 p.m. with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John's honor to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.
