The Daily Sun News
Suinneyside, Washington
Wednesday, June 30, 2004


William J. Lake
William (Bill) J. Lake's long earthy stay ended Saturday, June 19, 2004,
when he went home to meet his Savior. Bill's 108 years were filled
with love, caring and devotion to his wive, children, grandchildren
and friends.

Bill was born Oct. 30, 1895 in Rall County, Mo. to Richard and Emma
(Briscoe) Lake. As a child his family moved to Montana.

On Oct. 4, 1917 at the age of 22 he was drafted into the U. S. Army. He
was a private in the 91st Infantry Division (Powder River) and a machine
gun ammo transporter for the 346th Machine Gun Battalion. He ended a
nine-day trans- Atlantic ocean voyage to reach the battle front. He
fought in the winter of 1918.  During battle, the heel of his shoe
was torn off by a bullet and shrapnel tore through his jacket, but he
was unharmed. In 2000, nearly 80 years after serving his country, Bill
received the National Order of the Legion of Honor, Congressional Medal
of Honor, the hightest military honor bestowed.

On June 5, 1926 in Yakima, Bill married the love of his live, Gladys
Counts, of Goldendale. In 1998 they celebrated 72 glorius years
together. Bill remained stedfastly by her side throughout her extended
illness, until her passing Jan. 31, 1999.

Bill was an orchardist in the Yakima Valley for 32 years. As a member of
Teamsters Union 760, he worked as a truck driver at Holtzinger's Warehouse
for many years.  An on the job accident forced his retirement, at age 75.

Bill loved the outdoors and daily walks. He also treasured his Sunday
drives for breakfast and wildlife watching with his dear friend Dowd. Bill
was an honored guest at local Veteran's Day parades and celebrations,
always being the oldest veteran in attendance. Over the last several
years he was the guest of honor at his great-great-grandchildren's
Veteral's Day celebrations, at their schools.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Gladys Lake; one son,
Bob Lake; and two grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed by his children;two daughters and spouses,
Pat and Everet Benson of Yakima, Verlie and Jess Moon of Oakridge, Ore.;
six grandchildren Gary and Joan Niemeyer of Sunnyside, Harold and Mary
Niemeyer of Yakima, Barbara Niemeyer of Hermiston, Ore., Arlene and Jim
Schuster of Goldendale, Steve and Joanne Lake, and Kathy and John Shupe
of Florida; 17 great-grandchildren; and dear friend, Dowd Luce.

A tribute service was held Thursday, June 24, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Shaw and
Sons Funeral Directors and concluding at Tahoma Cemetery with Military
Honors conducted by VFW Post No. 379.

Memorials may be made to Union Gospel Mission in care of Shaw and Sons
Funeral Directors.