Jearl Lakes

Lakes, Jearl David

Jearl David Lakes was born on August 12, 1933, in a farmhouse on Back Creek near Lancaster, Kentucky. At the age of 12, in the spring of 1946, he and his family moved to Springboro, Ohio where they resided on a small farm two miles outside of town. He attended Springboro Schools and graduated high school via correspondence in 1953. An all-around athlete, he lettered in baseball, basketball, and track. He was elected captain of the basketball team for the 1951-1952 season. While still a student he was employed by General Motors from May to August 1951. He worked for the Kroger Company from 1952 to 1958 and then for South's Hardware from 1958 until June 3rd,1963 when he purchased the store from the owner, Bob South, renaming it Springboro Hardware transforming it to a centerpiece of local commerce. As part of his duties at the hardware he became an expert on paint, insecticides, fungicides, lawn care, etc. earning certificates of expertise from companies like Scott's, Ortho, and Eli Lilly. Jearl operated the business until November 1988 when he sold it to longtime employee Bobby Miller. Upon retirement from the hardware business, Jearl transitioned to construction. You may have seen some of his work as you drive through Springboro and surrounding towns or in local homebuilding publications where his craftmanship was featured. Apart from his proprietorship of Springboro Hardware, Jearl Lakes was a pillar of the community. He was supportive of and active in community affairs. He was a charter member of Springboro Baptist Church serving as Building Chairman in 1958 and 1959 and for many years on the building and grounds committee. He was integral to the building of Ridgeville Christian School where he personally laid and finished the floor for the gymnasium in their expansion. He coached basketball at RCS and coached hundreds of young baseball players through Springboro Clearcreek Baseball Association and on many All-Star teams as well. Jearl was an active member of the Springboro Lions Club from 1958 to 1985 receiving their Citizen of the Year Award in 1984.For his outstanding community service the Municipality of Springboro awarded him a Certificate of Appreciation in 1983. He was also a recipient of the Springboro/Clearcreek Township Jaycees Outstanding Service Award 1979/1980. Even in his later years he served as Trustee for Wrenwood Condominium Association until his age and health required him to move into an assisted living facility where he died in his sleep August 16, 2025. He is preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Joyce Lakes. He is survived by his only remaining brother Dale Lakes, his children Patricia Barley, Cecelia Raymer, Diana Chesnut, and Michale Lakes, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and his community. Funeral Services are 1pm Saturday August 23, 2025 at Anderson Funeral Home 40 N Main St Springboro, OH with Pastor Cornelious Hancock officiting. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 11am to 1pm at the funeral home.