Robert Harold Lakin

Robert Harold Lakin, 95, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the Rensselaer Care Center where he had been a resident for four years. Born August 14, 1916 to Homer Aaron and Rhoda Vesta (Snow) Lakin, he attended area schools and graduated from Francesville High School. He married Margaret Ella Hays, who survives, on October 19, 1940. Harold was owner/operator of the L & P Body Shop in Rensselaer until his retirement, when his son Lowell assumed the operation and is still in business. Harold served in the Indiana National Guard for three years and the Civil Air Patrol. He was a Sergeant with Squadron K 129th Army Air Force Base Unit during World War II as an airplane mechanic instructor and airworthiness inspector. He earned his A&E license in 1941 and inspector’s license in 1955 and turned them into a side-business of airplane repair, maintenance, and inspection. An avid pilot who earned his pilot’s license in 1939 and instrument rating in 1975, he brought his first airplane home in a box and restored it in the garage. Many family trips and sunny Sunday afternoons were spent in the air. Harold served on the Jasper County Board of Aviation Commissioners until 2008. Harold was a Rensselaer City Councilman for 16 years, representing the third ward from 1968 - 1972, and 1976 - 1992. He never aspired to run for mayor, preferring to work behind the scenes. Harold was honored to serve his community. He and his wife Margaret enjoyed serving as the 1988 Little Cousin Jasper Grand Marshals. Harold’s proudest accomplishment was being a member of the Rensselaer Volunteer Fire Department since June 1949, serving as firefighter, Captain, and Deputy Chief. He was a lifetime member of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association. On September 13, 1988, Harold was awarded the Governor’s Meritorious Service Award from the State Fire Marshall’s office. He received the Firefighter of the Year award in 2004 from the Rensselaer Volunteer Fire Department, and this award was renamed the Harold Lakin Firefighter of the Year Award at that time. At the same banquet, he was presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash on behalf of Governor Joseph Kernan. When he felt his reflexes were “not as quick as they used to be”, Harold gave up flying and sold his last plane. He enjoyed boating, water skiing, flying, and fishing, especially at the cabin in Michigan and winter home in Florida. He revived his interest in woodworking in his later years. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Margaret, who resides as the Rensselaer Care Center, son, Lowell Harold (Deb) Lakin, Rensselaer; two daughters, Meta Rae (Steve) Waling, Rensselaer, and Kelli Lynn (Jon) Smith, Eugene, Oregon; one brother, Keith D. Lakin, Chesterton; one sister, Donna Mauch, Wheaton, Illinois; six grandchildren, Amy Revils, Kokomo, Christopher (Maria) Waling, Remington, Courtney (John) Burch, Greenfield, Jeffrey Harold Lakin, Rensselaer, Enya and Raleigh Smith, Eugene, Oregon; three step-grandchildren, Patrick (Amy) Donnelly, New Haven, Dusty (Lisa) Cawby, Rensselaer and Sean (Jessica) Cawby, Rensselaer; twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Drenda Sue and Cheryl Jo, two brothers and two sisters. Memorials may be made to the Rensselaer Volunteer Fire Department.

Robert Harold Lakin

August 14, 1916 - March 14, 2012