Obituary of Churchill S. Lake

Mr. Churchill S. "Shad" Lake, 88, of Parkwood Drive, Fort Plain, New York died early Tuesday morning, March 4, 2014 at Bassett Healthcare of Cooperstown. Born on April 8, 1925 in Palatine Bridge, NY, he was the son of Harold E. Lake and Mabel S. Sutton Lake. He was a graduate of Canajoharie High School, Class of 1943 and was a lifelong area resident. Mr. Lake started his employment at Les Waners Allis-Chalmers Tractor Dealership in Palatine Bridge. He then worked for Valley Equipment, a John Deere dealer in St. Johnsville. Churchill later retired from K.C. Canary John Deere in Fultonville. Following his retirement he worked for Christman's Cycle in Nelliston and Fort Plain True Value. Churchill was a proud Veteran of the US Army. He obtained the rank of T-5 and was part of the Aircraft Warning System. He also received a Purple Heart. He was a member of the Fort Plain United Methodist Church. Mr. Lake was a life member of the Fort Plain VFW Earl Stock Memorial Post #3275 and Past Commander of the Post. He was part of the Fort Plain VFW Drum and Bugle Corp, known as the Plainsmen. Churchill was a member of the Hamilton Masonic Lodge #79 of Canajoharie, NY. He enjoyed fishing and traveling. On September 27, 1947 at the Fort Plain United Methodist Church, Churchill was married to Alice W. Brown. He was predeceased by his grandson, Keith von Wellsheim. Mr. Lake is survived by his wife of 66 years, Alice W. Lake of Fort Plain, NY; son, Harold L. Lake of Fort Plain, NY; daughters, Karen and Richard Hawes of Mayfield, NY, Jude and Mark von Wellsheim of North Carolina; 6 grandchildren, Darcy and Juan Carlos Barrera-Hawes, Jennifer and Chris Delaney, Nathaniel and Chantell Hawes, Christopher and Melanie Lake, Dr. Jeffrey Lake, Sarah and Joseph Lynch; 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Helen Luongo; several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 11:00am at The Chapel of Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY with Rev. Alan Griffith officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, March 7 from 4:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery in the Spring with full Military Honors at graveside by the US Army and the Fort Plain VFW Memorial Squad. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mr. Churchill S. Lake may be made to the Fort Plain United Methodist Church, 39 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339. A special Thank You to all the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of the Special Care Unit of Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown.