David Lee Lake

1966

David Lee Lake, 66, of South Charleston, WV passed away on December 7, 2013 at his home after a long battle with ALS, (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was born in South Charleston, WV on May 1, 1947 to Dr. Charles and Lucille Lake. His mother walked to Thomas Hospital where he was born, as his father was just beginning his Dental practice and the family lived over the dental office close to the hospital. David was preceded in death by his mother Lucille Lake, Grandparents, Charles and Mable Lake, infant sister Karen Lynn, brother Steven, and niece Renee.

He is survived by his loving wife Codetta "Cody" Cunningham Lake. Father Charles of South Charleston, Brother Terry of South Charleston, and Thomas, wife Diana, of New Port Richie, Florida. Nephew Jeremy his wife MacKenzie and son Gryphon who are stationed in Okanawa, Japan with the US Air Force. Niece Kristin Mack husband Evan and sons Carter and Henry of Albany, New York. Nephews Alexi, a student at University of South Florida and Tasso, a junior at Gulf High School in New Port Richie. Brother in law Charles "Skeet" Cunningham of Evans, WV.

David was raised in St. Albans and graduated from Greenbrier Military School. He attended West Virginia University, Beckley Junior College and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in business administration. He was a life long member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church where he worshiped his Lord and Savior. His attendance there led him to his wife of 38 years. They were introduced by the mother of one of his confirmation classmates. They were married May 24, 1975 at Cedar Lakes, near Ripley, WV.

Shortly after their wedding David decided to become a funeral director and served his apprenticeship at Snodgrass Funeral Home before attending Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. After graduation he worked for Reger Funeral Home in Huntington. He returned to South Charleston and Snodgrass where
he was a dedicated and caring Funeral Director for 6 years.

Looking for a change, he bought ACE Furniture in Nitro and ran it successfully for many years.

With Cody he bought a Minuteman Press franchise in South Charleston. He grew to love the business and worked hard to maintain quality and keep up with business changes and practices. He was forced into medical disability and retirement by the progression of ALS. While he did not go to the shop, he expected a daily report on jobs and orders from Cody. He continued to be involved in 'rallying the troops' at Minuteman Press. He was proud and grateful for the work and support of the staff, Richie Williams, Stephen Fisher and Jennifer Smith.

David loved being Godfather to Jeremy, Kristin and his namesake Tasso David. His kind and gentle spirit surrounded them, always.

David loved his cats. The current group slept and guarded his bed during his final hours.

We are grateful for the care he received from Donna at Right At Home. His passing was eased by support from Hospice Care of Charleston.

Family and friends may gather for visitation on Monday, December 9, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston.

A service to honor the life of David Lake will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, December, 10, 2013 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 900 Lawndale Ln, Charleston, WV 25314, with Pastor Rafe Allison officiating. A luncheon at the church will immediately take place after the funeral service. Entombment will then follow at Cunningham Memorial Park in St. Albans.

In lieu of flowers we suggest donations to HospiceCare 1606 Kanawha Blvd., West, Charleston, WV 25387-2536. The ALS Association, Development Department, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301. Muscular Dystrophy Association - WEB PO Box 78960 Phoenix, AZ 85062-8960 or to St. Timothy Lutheran Church 900 Lawndale Ln, Charleston, WV 25314.