Kevin Rex Lake

Kevin Rex Lake, 55, of Fairmont joined God, painlessly in heaven, Saturday, July 30, 2016 after a 32-year battle with cancer. He made his transition at Ruby Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Kevin was born in Marion County on April 29, 1961 to his father, Lawrence Rex Lake and the late Janice Louise Snyder Lake. Kevin graduated from East Fairmont High School in 1979. As a gifted motorcycle technician, welder, and mechanic, he thrived as the owner of L & R Racing. Kevin found himself closest to God when on two wheels, with the wind in his hair, and the sun on his back. It was a passion that defined him. Along with his love of motorcycles, he enjoyed gardening, doing excavation work on his tractor, helping people, and most of all holding the hand of his angelic wife and best friend, "M.E.". Family and friends will remember Kevin for his friendly, giving spirit. Regardless of the hardships he may have faced, he found peace in helping others. Kevin believed that life was measured not in the minutes, but moments, and he was sure to make each one count. To all those gifted with knowing him, he exemplified a true friend, and the value of unconditional love, and it shined through every relationship. He had no greater love than his family, especially his grandchildren, and countless close friends. In addition to his father, Rex Lake and his wife Elsie Lake, he is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ellen Donaldson Lake, whom he adored for over 26 years and celebrates his marriage of 20 years; four daughters, Christina Moore of Barrackville, Brittany Myers and her husband Drew of Fairmont, Melissa Mike and her husband Matt of Monongah, and Michelle Moore of Morgantown; his father and mother-in-law, John and Hilda Donaldson of Fairview; his lifetime best friend Travis Swann of Fairmont; his sister, Terry Lynn Thomas and her husband Gary of Haddonfield, New Jersey; five very special grandchildren, Brenner Moore, Maddox Mike, Madilynn Mike, Mason Myers and Brylee Myers and several wonderful nieces and nephews. In addition to his mother, Kevin was preceded in death by his brothers, Lester "Kenny" Lake and Chris Alan Lake. Friends and family may call at the Carpenter & Ford Funeral Home, 209 Merchant Street, Fairmont on Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm, Wednesday 1pm to 8pm and on Thursday from 10am to 11am. The funeral service will be on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 11am at the funeral home with Pastor Carl Radcliff officiating. Committal services will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery.