Wayne C. Lakin

Burwell — Wayne Cecil Lakin, 95, of Burwell, died Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell.

Visitation was held Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 at till Waters Funeral Parlor in Burwell.

A celebration of life service was held Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024 at the Baptist Church in Burwell. Pastor Joel Wentworth officiated.

Burial was in the Cottonwood Cemetery in Burwell with military rites by the Clifford Clark American Legion Post 298.

Memorials may be made to the Burwell American Legion Post 298 or Burwell Volunteer Fire Department in Wayne's name.

Wayne was born April 5, 1929, in Garfield County, to Glenn C. and Clara (Peterson) Lakin. He was raised in Garfield County where he received his early education then graduated from Burwell High School in 1946. As a young man, Wayne worked in various capacities and helped his dad on the farm.

In May of 1951, Wayne joined the United States Army. He received basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and served in the Korean War with the 439th Construction Engineers. He was instrumental in building the longest extension steel girder bridge across the Han River. He was honorably discharged in May of 1953, earning the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal with three stars, Korean Presidential Unit Citation and Korean War Commemorative Medal. 

Following the Army, Wayne returned to Burwell where he was employed by the Rodeo Telephone Company as a surveyor. 

On May 14, 1955, Wayne was united in marriage to Mary Iola Liermann at St. John's Lutheran Church in Chambers.  The couple was blessed with two children Melodie ReNay and Dale Dwayne. 

The Lakin's farmed and ranched in Holt County for seven years before purchasing Wayne's parents farm in Garfield County in 1969. Wayne and Mary worked side by side, farming and ranching and enjoyed vegetable and flower gardens. Wayne also worked at various part-time jobs around the area.

Wayne became a Christian and was baptized, along with his children in May of 1971, at the First Christian Church in Burwell where the family was very active, and Wayne served as a Deacon. Wayne was a member of the Elks Lodge, American Legion and VFW. While living in Holt County, he served on the school board.

Wayne enjoyed traveling to the Black Hills and going to casinos. He had a special love for animals, especially cats, horses and his livestock and enjoyed his dog Sparky. 

Wayne is survived by one daughter Melodie (Dewey) Roberts of Burwell; one son Dale (Tonya) Lakin of Burwell; six grandchildren Mandi Schmierer and Jamie Gerlach of Rapid City, SD, Casey Roberts, Brent Lakin and Travis and Kristi Lakin, all of Burwell; and seven great-grandchildren Hannah, Kinsey, Bennett, Conner, Eli, Emma and Natalie. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary who passed away on June 11, 2015, and one sister Marjorie Johnson. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.stillwatersfu neralparlor.com.