Ronald D. Lake

Ronald D. Lake, 73, of Topeka passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020.   He was born April 11, 1946 in Topeka, the son of Leroy C. Lake and Lena E. Newton Lake.  Ronald was raised and spent his childhood at Joplin, Missouri.   He loved to reminisce about his years at Joplin and lifelong friends that he made there.  James Tate, a friend Ron had since he was a young boy, recently visited him in Topeka.    Ronald moved to Topeka in 1966.   During his working career he had worked at Southeast Public Service Company, Meier’s Ready Mix, and he drove for Papan’s Landing Senior Center.  He was a tinkerer and loved to talk about old times.   He enjoyed spending time outdoors.  He also liked to watch old westerns and “The Andy Griffith Show.”  But most of all, he was a devoted grandfather and just liked to be with his granddaughters, or as he referred to them, “his girls.”

On April 14, 1976 he was united in marriage to Debbie Smith.   Debbie survives at their home in Topeka.

Other survivors include his children, Abbie Sutton and her husband Tony of Topeka and Susan (Humberto) Nieves Rosado in Colorado; his nephew who he loved like a son, Jack Smith; brothers, Mike Lake and Debbie and Steve Lake and Darlene; sisters, Sharon Coffman, Doris Baker, Marilyn Turnage and Rita Hendrix; and five grandchildren which include Sydney Sutton and Erin Sutton.

Ron was preceded in death by other siblings, Shirley Berry, Leroy Lake, Daryl Lake, Ruth Grissom, Harold Lake, Frances L. Lake and Beth A. Lake.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 6, 2020 at Memorial Park Cemetery.   Davidson Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice.   To leave the family a message, please visit www.davidsonfuneral.com.