Obituary of Willie Lakes

Lakes, Willie B. 93, of Zion, made his transition from this earthly life peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior at home on Saturday, April 19, 2014 in Zion, Illinois. He was born on February 29, 1921 in Melwood, Arkansas. He confessed a faith in Jesus Christ at an early age in Deeson, Mississippi. Willie was an Army World War II veteran who loved telling stories of him being over in France, Belgium, Germany, and England. He retired in 1980 from American Motors after serving over 36 years. Willie was an avid sportsman who loved gardening, hunting, fishing, raising hunting dogs and collecting various types of guns. He leaves to cherish his memories, five daughters, Joann (Michael) Thomas, Joyce (Jackie) Stanley, Geraldine Jackson, and Catherine Smith all of Zion, Illinois, Carolina Shelley of Kenosha, Wisconsin, (a granddaughter who he raised), Whittni (Christopher) Lewis of Zion, Illinois; one son, Willie (Rosemary) Lakes Jr. of Lorain, Ohio. He leaves a special group of granddaughters who devoted and cherished their time in caring for their grandfather during his last days; one sister-in-law, Lillie Greer; one lifetime friend, John D. Slater Sr.; along with a host of 150 great, great, great, great, great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; one daughter, Ivory; three sons, L.B. Shiner, Johnny and Larry Lakes; one grandson, DeRantay Lakes; one great-grandson, Ehrren Gillipsie. A Celebration of His Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2500 West 30th Street, Zion, IL. Rev. Robert Williams, Pastor; Dr. B.J. Gaston, Officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Memorial Cemetery, Zion, IL. Arrangements entrusted to Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL 60099.