Thomas Howard Lake, age 83, of St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2020 of natural causes in his home in Meridian, ID.
Thomas was born on February 17, 1937 to Marjorie Clarke (Thompson) and her husband Ralph Martin Lake in St. Louis, MO. After graduating from University City High School, he attended the University of Illinois and Washington University in St. Louis, before settling in at Westminster College in Fulton, MO. Along with being elected President of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Thomas was captain of the school’s wrestling team, and was undefeated in college competition. At age 20, Thomas was baptized and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After completing his junior year of college, Thomas served for two years as a missionary for his church in the Northwestern States Mission; where he taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to people in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Two weeks after returning from his mission, Thomas entered law school at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He served as President of the Honor Council, Associate Editor of, “The Writ,” which was the law school newspaper, and was a member of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity. Upon graduating from law school in 1964 and before having to report for military duty in the fall, Thomas spent the summer with friends in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is there where he met the love of his life and eternal companion, Helen Ruth Hatch. They wed September 19, 1964. Tom and Helen went on to have four children: Stephen, Kevin, Kristin, and Matthew. On October 14, 1964, Thomas reported for duty in the United States Army Military Police Corps. He served in the 504th military police battalion, which was deployed to the Republic of South VietNam in 1965. As a Second Lieutenant, Thomas was assigned to serve as the Provost Marshall in the City of Hue, and received an Army Commendation medal for his service there. After his service in VietNam, Thomas and his bride Helen settled in St. Louis, MO, to raise their family and start a law practice. Thomas practiced law for over 50 years before retiring in late 2017. For the later part of his career, Thomas had the pleasure of practicing law with his son, Kevin. He loved his career as a trial attorney, handling cases in city, county, state, appellate and federal courts. He received many awards for his professional abilities, including receiving an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and being named to the Top 100 from the National Trial Lawyers Association. Part of his career included incorporating and serving on the Board of Directors for The Judevine Center for Autism. He served as chairman of the Board of Directors for Midwest Health Plan, and served on the Board of Directors for Greater St. Louis Healthplan. In addition, Thomas was an instructor on Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning to business and insurance groups at the University of Missouri, St. Louis, Adult Education Program. He enjoyed serving as President of the St. Louis Mormon Historical Society. After receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, Thomas and Helen moved to Boise, ID to spend the remainder of his life’s journey with his daughter, Kristin and her precious family. It is there where he and his family received exceptional care under a pilot program of memory care specialists. Thomas H. Lake was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world. He was unendingly proud of his children, and always did his best to support them. He was very good natured and treated people kindly, generously and with respect. Thomas was also passionate about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He could often be found serving at his church when he wasn’t at home or work. He served as a gospel doctrine teacher, Sunday School teacher, stake mission president, counselor in bishoprics, Bishop of the St. Louis 6th ward, and President of the Pagedale Branch. He also served on stake high councils, and twice as a counselor to the Missouri, St. Louis Mission President. Anyone who knew Thomas knew that he was the most loving grandfather, father, husband, son, brother, or uncle a family could ask for. Thomas was predeceased in death by his mother, Marjorie Lake, his father, Ralph Lake, and his beloved younger brother, David Martin Lake. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helen Lake, their eldest son Stephen, his wife Julie (nee Mayfield), and their children, Nathan (Kaylie), Jordan, and Daniel. He is also survived by his son Kevin, his wife Carmen (nee Barrus), and their children Dallin, Grace, and Katie; his daughter Kristin, her husband Jason Jenkins, and their children William and Owen; as well as his youngest son Matthew, and Matthew’s daughter Kimberly. In addition, he is survived by his brother David’s wife, Carla Lake, and David’s children, Victoria (Tim) and Christopher (Melanie), and their posterity. He is also survived by Helen’s sibling’s Ole (Clara Mae) Hatch, Mary (Chesley) Davies, and Hazel Whitney, along with all of their posterity.
There will be a funeral service on Friday, October 9, 2020,at 10:30 am. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this celebration of life will be streamed live on the facebook page of Kutis Funeral Homes. It is available to all family and friends at approximately 10:25 a.m. The link is: https://www.facebook.com/kutissouthcounty. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to The Judevine Center for Autism on behalf of Thomas H. Lake. They request that other notes of sympathy be sent to Kutis Funeral Home, Inc., South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Mehlville, MO 63129.
Bishop Lake was such a kind and gentle man. I have fond memories of his sweet and loving spirit as he lead and guided our Ward to follow the Savior, which he did by his example. Bishop and Sister Lake always had beautiful smiles and they seemed to beam with goodness. Their love for others was genuine and sweet. Godspeed Bishop and Sister Lake. May Heavenly Father continue to bless your family. I know that He is keeping Bishop Lake safe in His loving arms until you all can meet again.
Tom was a fabulous friend. I miss his company already and look forward to seeing him again on the other side of the veil. He was and still is a stalwart disciple of Jesus Christ and, no doubt, is very engaged in the work of sharing the gospel in the world of spirits. My best wishes to Helen and the kids and grandkids – you are all in my prayers.
Dear Helen and family,
We are so sorry for your lose. For the little time Tom lived in our Ward he was a great influence. I will never forget the beautiful prayer he gave in sacrament meeting. From that prayer I learned so much about Tom. I felt his trenendous love for his Father in Heaven, the Savior, and the gospel. The spirit whispered to me of Tom’s unwavering faith and desire to follow God. Tom’s prayer made me want to be a better person. In the short time we knew him we grew to love and admire him.
Love,
Dustin and Heather McGary family
There are no words to express my love and that of all the Olson Family for the years of friendship with Tom Lake and his family. So many memories we cherish and have missed him and his loving leadership so much. I had a special blessings having been secretary in the law office with Tom and Morty Ebeling in his early law practice. Then in church callings, we worked together for many years, and never will the youth and my family forget the Temple trips and leadership and inspiration he gave He also was active in so many great causes, always gentle, courteous, kind, loving, smiling and fulls of hugs for all God’s children. I also treasure his work with the historical society and we old-timers enjoyed a a special connection there. Not only did he inspire and teach by example and words, he made everything joyful. He could be a tease in a fun way and never was angry over the TP in the frees or the antics of youth. I can’t get to his farewell but I will never say goodbye to him anyway for he will live in our hearts forever. To all the family, don’t forget how we love you too.
This makes me very sad. I loved Bishop Lake and his family. My folks loved him and Helen both. All our love and thoughts in prayers. Thank goodness for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Happiness all my love
Rusty and Becky Tidlund
915 East Loren Street
Springfield, Mo 65807
russandbecky@att.net
417-429-6898
Tom was a great mentor as I learned about serving in the church. He had a gentle approach and would say we were like David and Jonathan. He is an example of dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
My life has been blessed by knowing Tom and Helen. Their constant, sweet smiles and loving natures always brought peace and joy. Love and prayers for the family.
Tom was a wonderful employer and friend. He was one of the most kind and honest persons I’ve ever met. I loved and miss listening to his many stories and poems. I loved and miss having lunch with him at Blueberry Hill, Kruegers or Imo’s delivery. There was rarely a work day that went by that he did not tell me I was appreciated. His faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ and a loving Heavenly Father was inspiring. He was a wonderful example to me of Christ like behavior. I feel blessed to have known him. My prayers and love go out for his family.
Dear David and a Family,
I was so very sorry to learn about Tom’s death. Still remember your family living across the street from us on Cambridge. Our parents were such good friends.
You are in my prayers and thoughts.
What was that little car you drove? I think it was your Mother’s?
Love, Ginnie Schaeffer (John died 2 years ago).
I knew Tom in high school. Quiet and unassuming, Tom was such a nice guy and liked by everyone. He was a good friend to all, well-respected, and always helpful. What may be little known about Tom is that, even though not the biggest, he was the toughest kid in our class. Every boy in the class knew this. He stood up to bullies and backed them down. I was proud to be his friend. Condolences to his family.
We had the pleasure of being Ministering Elders to Tom and Helen here in Meridian Idaho. They loved telling stories and we loved listening to them. The sweetest part of our visits was watching Tom & Helen holding hands the whole time during our visits. How often do you see that after 60 years of marriage? Although we will continue keeping in touch with Helen, we will miss Tom terribly. But we know he will continue valiantly serving the Savior as he did his entire life on earth. Until we meet again, Tom.
How we love and admire the Tom Lake family. Tom Lake never met a challenge too big to tackle- his optimism was contagious. His vision was inspiring and motivated those around him to do and be more. What a light for good he was in the Church and community. He shared his expertise willingly. This man inspired me all his days and I love him and miss him.
Dear Lake Family,
We will all miss Tom! We are so grateful our paths crossed in St. Louis so many times in wonderful ways over many years. Tom was ever optimistic, supportive and encouraging of worthy efforts and danced a wild hula at the Branch Luaus. As the first Branch President of Pagedale, he laid a foundation of faith in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, of love and support that continues to this day. A gentle giant of a man and a formed powerful duo with his sweetheart Helen. Their legacy of faith and family will live forever.
I knew Tom in University City and we became good friends. Our friendship was renewed at our reunions and my husband, Paul, and I enjoyed meeting and getting to know Helen. Tom was always a fine man (and “boy“) and I was a privilege to have him as a friend. My thoughts and prayers will be with his family.
Our condolences to Helen and your family, Tom and Kathy Blackwell Cross, We are in the Philippines on a mission and serving as office Missionaries. Keeping very busy. We were sad to her of Tom’s passing, He was a great support to the Ward and the Judevine Center. Also pretty much every one who knew him. He is forever in our memories and we are honored to have know him and your whole family. We will be here for another year and a couple of months. I am sure our paths will cross again. Until then know that our prayers are with you and yours, for the stability and comfort of the Savior’s love. May the best of blessings always be yours.
Elder and Sister Cross, Philippines Quezon City North Mission.
Tom Lake was my date when I was 10 or so years old when I needed someone to take me to the Primary Daddy/Daughter date night. My own dad, Victor Flack, was out of town at the time. Brother Lake always reminded me of that event we went to way back in the early 70’s. It was always fun to see him and Sister Lake…two of the happiest people! Such a good, kind, loving man. He will be missed.
I MISS MY GRANDPA!!! :’-(