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1969 - 2011
 Lt. Colonel Michael Scott Lakin, 42, of Charleston, W.Va., died on December 22, 2011, from injuries sustained after the crash of his aerobatic plane near Marysville, Ohio. He was born in Huntington, W.Va., on August 23, 1969, to Doris Short Lakin (deceased) and Lawrence Ferguson Lakin.
Michael is survived by the light of his life, daughter Kathryn Patricia Lakin, and her mother, Dr. Carrie Lakin of Charleston, W.Va.; his father, Lawrence F. Lakin and his wife, Mary Lou Pelfrey Lakin, of Huntington, W.Va.; a proud brother, Richard Lee Rick Lakin, his wife Kaye, and their son Andrew of Ashland, Kentucky; a beloved sister, Patricia Patti Lakin Smith and her husband Ted of Milton, W.Va.; a brother by marriage, Larry Michael Pelfrey, his wife Teresa, and their sons Andrew and Tyler of Huntington, W.Va.; and a sister by marriage, Lynn Pelfrey Kearns, her husband John, and their children Jack, Bradley, and Caroline of Oak Hill, Va; special aunts and uncles: Gloria Gee Gee and James Billups, both of whom shared his passion for flying; Carole and Ed Yetter of Zanesville, Ohio; Treva Short, of Louisa, Ky.; Barbara Wright of Richmond, Kentucky; Mary and Glendell Frasher of Columbus, Ohio; Sue and Jay Stanley of Knoxville, Tennessee; and a host of cousins too numerous to name whom he loved dearly. He also leaves behind a special friend, Cherie Rosier, of Fairmont, W.Va.
Michael was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James S. and Lyda Frazier Lakin, of Fort Gay, W.Va.; maternal grandparents, William R. Short and Nannie Moore Short, of Louisa, Ky.; two uncles, PFC Richard Lee Lakin of Fort Gay, W.Va., and Billy F. Short of Louisa, Ky.; and two aunts, Virgie Pelfrey of Huntington, W.Va., and Blanche Wellman of Ft. Gay, W.Va.
Michael spent his early years in Kenova, W.Va., and his formative years in Wheelersburg, Ohio, where he attended elementary and high school, graduating from Wheelersburg High in 1987. Michael completed his first solo flight on September 15, 1985, and earned his private pilots license one year later, launching his aviation career. Afterward, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., Michael earned his commercial pilots license at age 18 and his flight instructor certificate a year later, ultimately graduating in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Studies.
Michael then joined the United States Marine Corps, for whom he flew attack helicopters in the Far East. He later served as a fixed-wing flight instructor at Naval Air Station Whiting Field near Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle.
After leaving active duty in 1999, Michael served with the W.Va. Air National Guard, 130th Airlift Wing, based in Charleston, and became a C-130 Hercules pilot. He was a full-time Guardsman and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He flew many combat missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Michael had recently returned from another deployment to Iraq, where he was an operations officer for RC-26 detachment out of Clarksburg, W.Va.
Michael also flew for the W.Va. state governments aviation unit, beginning in 2008, and was a corporate pilot for then-Governor Joe Manchin, now a U.S. Senator.
In the weeks following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Michael was one of just a few pilots who helped fly troops and supplies to and from New Orleans.
Michael also entertained many at airshows piloting his 2004 American Champion Bellanca Super Decathlon stunt plane.
Michael was an active member of Christ Church United Methodist in Charleston, W.Va., where he assisted as a volunteer for the Breaking Bread ministry, a free dinner church members offer to the community. He also was a member of the Pathfinder Sunday School class.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 Monday, December 26, 2011, at the Reger Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at Fifth Avenue Baptist Church in Huntington, W.Va., by Dr. Allen Reasons and Dr. Randy Flanagan. Michael will be buried near his mother in the James A. Ferguson Cemetery in Fort Gay, W.Va.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Breaking Bread ministry at Christ Church United Methodist, 1221 Quarrier Street, Charleston, W.Va. 25301.
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There are currently 30 condolences.
Paul Lakin Knaus
Monday March 20, 2017 at
4:38 PM
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Just learned of this.
Very sorry for your loss.
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kathryn patricia lakin
Tuesday April 16, 2013 at
3:19 PM
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laurence ferguson lakin is also deceased
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Nancy Beverly
Monday December 17, 2012 at
10:53 PM
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I met Mike through my husband, Chuck, who is also a pilot. When Mike lived in Pensacola, we shared many happy memories with together. Chuck spent part of a summer in WV with Mike where they flew all over the state. That experience is one of Chuck's most memorable times. Two years ago, Chuck, our daughters, and I met Mike and Kathyrn in WV where we all skied together. What a wonderful time we all had! We only learned of Mike's death. Our hearts broke when we saw the news! Although he had been dead almost a year, to us, it is if he had just died. Although I know that Mike died doing what he loved, it is small consolation for the loss of one of the kindest men I have ever met. Our hearts ache for Kathryn who had a daddy who so loved her and was so proud of her. Please remind Kathryn that love never dies! All of Mike's family and friends will remain in my prayers. Mike will always live on through the positive difference he made in the lives of so many.
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Kimberly Mullins-Jordan
Tuesday March 20, 2012 at
7:27 PM
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I have recently been thinking about Mike and was searching online for him when I came across his obit. I went to school with him and we also dated for a little bit his junior year. My condolences to his family and especially his wife and daughter.
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John Konieczny
Friday December 30, 2011 at
4:33 PM
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Early Friday morning, I screened the local news web sites and saw a segment on a airplane crash. To my shock it was Mike Lakin. Although only a brief acquaintance, I'm sorry he is gone and wil pray for him and his family. Why are airplanes so much fun and wind up like this to the best people? Why? Again, I will pray for Mike and his family.
John M. Konieczny jmk1950@aol.com
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Michael L. Miller
Thursday December 29, 2011 at
7:45 PM
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So sorry for your loss , your loss is everyones loss . The Lakins were our nieghbors that we have never forgotten , and have been blessed by their memory thru out the years . You can be proud of your son , he truly touched our lives. Son of Bill & Joyce Miller
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Linda Knapp
Wednesday December 28, 2011 at
12:35 PM
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Blackie: Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We read of his great accomplishments and know how proud his family was of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joe and Linda Knapp
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Charlie Blakeman
Wednesday December 28, 2011 at
11:33 AM
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Sorry to hear of Micheall's death. I have known hin at least ten years. It was always good to see him at HTW, or at a fly inn or airshow. He will be saddly missed.
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Marilyn Meade
Tuesday December 27, 2011 at
11:44 PM
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Dear Patty and family I am so sorry in the loss of your brother Mike my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time
I was a student in the Adult class of Administrative Assistant 2002 to 2003
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Sam and Charlotte Webb
Tuesday December 27, 2011 at
3:53 PM
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Rick & Patti and family . . we are so sorry for the tragic loss of your beloved brother. We know the pain you must be in. We regret we were out of town over the holidays, but have kept you in thoughts and prayer. May God be with you and provide you comfort
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Roger & Celia Meadows/neighbors on Valley Ct.
Tuesday December 27, 2011 at
12:04 PM
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Mr.Lakin, We are so sorry for your loss. Although we did not know Mike we knew of him and his accomplishments. You can be so proud of the person he was. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Robin Lakin Grantham
Tuesday December 27, 2011 at
10:02 AM
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May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Mike.
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MAURINE (WILLIAMS) SKEENS
Tuesday December 27, 2011 at
9:09 AM
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In memory of Michael: My family and I were next door neighbors to Mikes parents when we lived at 1905 Pine Street, Kenova. My parents, now deceased, were Martin & Christine Williams and my name is Maurine Williams Skeens and my husband and I live in Milton. Several years ago I got to see his sister Patti at our church in Milton. We were giving her church, Milton Baptist, our VBS banners and other stuff pertaining to their VBS. It was good to see Patti again after many years. I havent seen Rick or Mr. Lakin in several years.We wanted to offer our condolences to Michaelss family. I have many fond memories of the Lakin family and I remember when Michael was born, a wonderful surprise. He was a very cute, energetic little boy and I got to watch part of his baby years. I and my family are very sorry to read about his passing. A very young man and a very accomplished man that was called home in his prime. We will be praying for you and your family.
The family of Martin & Christine Williams
Martine Williams McCoy of Kenova
Arnold Williams of Pickerington OH
Maurine Williams Skeens of Milton
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Bill Abrams
Monday December 26, 2011 at
10:33 PM
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It was an honor and priviledge to have known and flown with Rudy. I grew up in Milton, WV and as instructors together in VT-2 we always tried to hook up for cross countries back to Huntington. A great officer, a great pilot and a great friend. I will miss you. May God give you wings in heaven.
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The Peaster Family
Monday December 26, 2011 at
10:23 PM
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To the ENTIRE family of Mike Lakin: our deepest prayers and sympathy comes from our hearts.
Regi Peaster, Georgia. Michael Peaster, Illinois. Peggy Peaster, South Carolina
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Kim Peters
Monday December 26, 2011 at
10:01 PM
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Please know that the you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was so saddened to hear about this tragic event. I have the fondest memories of Michael when we were kids. With sincere sympathy.
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John
Monday December 26, 2011 at
6:52 PM
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Mike, you'll always be remembered as the kind soul you were. I'm glad my family had the honor of meeting you a couple of months ago. Rest in peace. Your friend, John.
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Jenell Rector Cremeans
Monday December 26, 2011 at
1:42 PM
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Rick, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family.
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Bud & Ilene Blankenship
Monday December 26, 2011 at
10:51 AM
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Blackie, We are in prayer for you and your family at this time.
Love Bud & Ilene
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Dr. Mahmood and Christine Heydarian
Monday December 26, 2011 at
10:44 AM
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dear lawrence and maylou and family, our sincere sympathy and thoughts are with you. may your son rest in peace. may GOD bless you and your family. love mahmood and christine heydarian and family.
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James and Melissa Wyatt
Monday December 26, 2011 at
9:25 AM
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Dear Patti & Ted,
So sorry to hereof your loss. Praying for you. May you find comfort in Jesus.
In His Service,
Jim & Melissa Wyatt
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Monday December 26, 2011 at
9:05 AM
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Hello Carrie,
I was so sad to see this tragedy. I hope all is well with you and your daughter. I am still a good listener if you feel the need for talk. I hope your pracice is great. Bill P. May DPM
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Ghetonda Mosley-Shertzer
Monday December 26, 2011 at
8:17 AM
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its been a long time since i've seen michael,,,rick spent more time here with us in kenova,,may GOD bless the family,, a sending prayers to heaven!!!!!
"TODD"
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Brenda Jones
Monday December 26, 2011 at
4:01 AM
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May God's loving arms comfort you during this time and give you strength to carry on.
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Pat Fot
Monday December 26, 2011 at
12:29 AM
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Many people come and go in our lives over the course of a life time. Some are around longer but some are remembered longer for the joy they brought to us. Michael gave so much to St. Agnes when Kathryn was young. We will always think of our time with him with warmth and joy. We will miss you. I will always be here for Kathryn.
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Juanita Caperton/McNeely
Sunday December 25, 2011 at
10:40 PM
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Patti We are so sorry for your familys loss. I know how hard it is I lost my brother last year& I would like to say it will get easier but I;m still having trouble so I;ll keep your family in my prayers & hopefully time will help to heal the pain.
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Mike Caines
Sunday December 25, 2011 at
9:40 PM
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There are no words that can remove the imediate pain, shock and sting of unexpectedly loosing a loved one. Only the knowledge and faith that they now reside with Christ and we will again be rejoined for eternity. I pray for comfort for the family during this difficult time.
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Teresa George
Sunday December 25, 2011 at
6:48 PM
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Dearest Lawrence and my special frind Mary Lou! I am so sorry to read of your incredible loss.Know that I am thinking and praying for you both as you console one another, your daughter and your precious granddaughter. I will continue to think of your entire family and will hold you in my prayers always! Though I do not know your Michael and family he obviously is an incredibly respected and loved man. Wish I could be with you at this time but please know how much I love you and the sorrow I feel for you! Love you so much!
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Brenda Frasher
Sunday December 25, 2011 at
4:26 PM
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Please know you have been in my every thought and prayers since I first heard of this most untimely tragedy. Know that Michael lived his life serving his country and above all else God . Michael also lived his passion for flying and we must all learn from this or we may run the risk of doing nothing at all with our own lives.... With sincerest sympathy. Love, Brenda
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Brenda Frasher
Sunday December 25, 2011 at
4:21 PM
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Please know you have been in my every thought and prayers since I first heard of this most untimely tragedy. Know that Michael lived his life serving his country and above all else God . Michael also lived his passion for flying and we must all learn from this or we may run the risk of doing nothing at all with our own lives.... With sincerest sympathy. Love, Brenda
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