Michael Donley LAKE, 52, of Wheeling, died Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Liza’s Place.
He was born September 27, 1962 in Moundsville, WV, son of the late Calder Ellsworth “Bud” and Ruth Irene Murphy Lake.
Michael was employed with the Wheeling Fire Department as a fire-engineer and EMT with 24 years of service, was a volunteer fireman with the McMechen and Benwood Fire Departments, was President and Founder in 1998 and an officer for the Wheeling Little Patriots Football for 5 years, coached baseball in McMechen for 17 years and many years in Warwood, was given the Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award in 2001, was honorably discharged from the Army in 1985 and a member of the Church of God, McMechen.
A loving husband, dad, pap-pap, uncle and friend to everyone. The family would like to send a special thank-you to the caring individuals at Liza’s Place for their thoughtfullness and support at a very trying time.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Bonnie Conaway Lake, 3 children; Michael Patrick Lake of Wheeling, Sean Donley Lake and his wife Hannah of McMechen, Dilan Leigh Lake of Wheeling; a sister, Darla Jo Frazier of Benwood, 2 grandchildren; Kaci Jo Lake and Josie Paige Lake; a very close niece, Jennifer Lou Billington and her husband Joe, great niece, Addison Mae Billington, and several other nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received on Friday, February 13, 2015 from 1:00pm until 8:00pm at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, Benwood-McMechen Chapel, 214 Marshall St., McMechen WV.
Services will be held at the Church of God, McMechen on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 11:00am with Pastor Mitch Johnston officiating.
Fireman’s service will be conducted on Friday at the funeral home at 7:30pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Liza’s Place or the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at altmeyer.com
Blessings, peace and prayers to the Lake family.
Bonnie
I was so sorry to hear about Murph. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I can remember the very first time I met Mike like it was yesterday. My fondest memories back in my teen age years and through college bring me back to Murph. I miss those days and will miss Mike most of all.
Sincerely
Steve Miklas and family
BONNIE AND FAMILY,MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY MAY GOD BLESS YOU,COMFORT YOUR HEART WITH CONTINUED PEACE
WITH LOVE
NANCY HAGER,ERIC BLEDSOE
Bonnie, Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, may god bless and keep you and in his care. Seems like yesterday when the boys were in daycare with us.
Bonnie, Sean, Dilan, Mikey, Hannah and girls,
Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. You all will have a wonderful guardian angel watching over you.
Bonnie:
I was so sorry to hear about Mike. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I know there will be a lot of tears, Mike was liked by anyone he met. I remember you and him when I worked at Blue Cross when you dated, got engaged and then married. Remember you being pregnant with your first baby. Mike was the ambulance driver when my boys wrecked and he left me ride in the ambulance.
I know you will miss him deeply and as time goes on it gets easier to go on, but I know you and him had a a special love for each other and that love will never die. Again, my sincere sympathy for you and your family.
Ann
Darla and family of Mike Please accept our deepest sympathy and know we are all thinking of you and prayers are up The Lowe Family
Dear Bonnie, Mike, Sean, and Dilan, we at Mountaineer Auto Repair send our heartfelt condolences. You all are in our every thought and prayer. You all have the strength and love to deal with your pain. As always, we are here for you
John, Justin, Joyce, and Tyler
Dear Ones —
It was a privilege to visit with Michael; to sing and pray for him, and to share some quiet time of encouragement.
May God’s peace and blessings be yours during this most tender season; and, may He give you many lovely memories, so that you may always have roses in December.
Ever hoping . . .
Always in Jesus,
Maryann Music Ministry Volunteer
Every time you met Mike…you always got a big smile… as conversation lengthened…a twinkle in the eye followed but a cutting comment…followed by laughter.
It was great to be around Mike…you came to quickly realize the determination and passion…I learned a lot being around Mike…it would do us all well…To Be Like Mike…
FALLEN HEROES – From the time I was conceived God had for me a plan. He wanted me to get involved to help my fellow man. Some may have been against it but God knows what’s best; now I am at home with him & have perfect peace & rest. Heaven is so beautiful I’m walking streets of gold & I’m serving others along with the saints of old. Please don’t be sad & mourn for me I’m doing what I love; serving God & guarding you from heaven up above.
Heartfelt condolences to you Bonnie for the loss of your husband, and Mikey, Dillon, and Sean for the loss of your father. I have so many fond memories from my childhood with Murph that I cannot begin to put them into words. He was always a role model to me when I was growing up in the way he carried himself, the way he treated others, and his generosity with his time, which gave so much of to teach us kids in the neighborhood the game of baseball. He is no doubt one of the greatest men I have ever known. Rest in peace Coach
Jenny, and all the Lake Family, So sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you. Bryant & Betty Persinger
May God Bless the Lake family. May the Lord send his protecting angels over you each and every day. Mike was a great guy, loved by many. Loved him lots. He will be dearly missed. John 11:23 – Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Michael Donley Lake, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your work on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of….. US Army Veteran, Fire Fighter, Michael Donley Lake, “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Melissa and I were very saddened to hear of Mikes passing.
His Great sense of humor and leadership will be missed by all. We are fortunate to have known and been friends with such a great person.
Our condolences to Bonnie, the children and the rest of Murphs family.
Rest in Peace my friend.
My condolences to all of you during this difficult time. Mike was a great man and he has a great family. Thru the support of your family and friends may you gain strength. Please know we are here for you. Love to you all
My sincere and deepest condolences to the entire family,friends,and Brotherhood of “Mike”. Denny Albaugh
Rest in peace, Mike.
Sending our most heartfelt prayers of peace and acceptance at your time of loss. We will miss that smile.
So sorry for your loss. I lived across the street from Mike growing up and we spent many nights and weekends playing ball in the street. Seems like yesterday. He has left too early.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to his family and friends. Rest in Peace.
So sorry for your loss.Mike will be missed by everyone who knew him. It will not be the same.
There are only 3 traits which matter to me in life, LOYALTY, HONESTY, and NOT BE BORING. Just as baseball hasn’t had many TRIPLE CROWN winners during my lifetime, I’ve not known many “LIFE” TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS . “Murph” was one of mine though……. He was always a pleasure to talk to, and during his brief time here, made this small part of the world a better place for so many. My thoughts and sympathy go out to his family and his many friends.