Dale Braden Lake

Dale Braden Lake, 91, of Winter Haven, FL, former Franklin resident died peacefully at his home Friday, October 19, 2012.



A son of Dale and Effie Watkins Lake he was born in Franklin on May 4, 1921.

After completing his initial undergraduate degree at King?s Point Merchant Marine Academy he joined the U.S. Navy and served in the South pacific during World War II. Coming home with the rank of Lieutenant, he completed undergraduate and master?s degrees at Springfield College and earned his Ph.D. from New York University. Dale continued his naval service in the reserves, retiring with the rank of Commander. Dedicated to making higher education accessible to all, he was the founding President of Ulster County Community College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.



An avid golfer, Dale could often be found on the local courses. He and his wife June traveled extensively after his retirement in 1982, visiting Alaska, Ireland, Scandinavia and the Caribbean to name a few places.



On June 28, 1947 he married the former June Joyce who survives along with five children David Lake and his wife Ione of Kalamazoo, MI, Christine Shaw and her husband Randy of Franklin, Kathy Lake and her husband Jim Wend of Milwaukee, WI, Richard Lake and his wife Janet of Phoenix, AZ and Douglas Lake of St. Cloud, FL; 8 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister Charlene Huckins of Union City, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.



Friends will be received in the Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 312 W. park St. from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Friday. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 2 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. Lonny Wolford, pastor of Fox Street Church of God officiating.



Military Honors will be rendered by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard.



Interment will be made in the Townville Cemetery.



Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 3319 Maguire Blvd., Suite 110, Orlando, FL 32803.