Andrew Franklin Lakey

Cattle Rancher, 93

Andy Lakey was born January 29, 1925 in Burney, CA to Asa and Agnes Lakey and went home to his Lord and Savior on February 23, 2018. He was preceeded in death by his wife of 59 years, Milly, his parents, 3 brothers; Asa Jr., Howard Sr., and Dean, and 4 sisters; Dorothy, Muriel, Bessie and Dorcas.

He was raised in Burney and attended elementary school there, graduating from Fall River

High School in 1942. He was one of 10 children and had story after story of the childhood mischief they got into. Many stories were “enhanced” for effect, although the craziest stories turned out to be true! It was during his childhood era of the late 20’s and early 30’s, with no television or electronics that his imagination grew and he and his brothers and sisters created their own fun. Making people laugh brought him much joy and he became the “story” and “joke teller” that we all know and love.

After turning 18 in January 1943, he enlisted in the Navy to serve his country during WW2. All 5 brothers served in the Navy and he was very proud of that. He attended Peru State College in Nebraska for pilot training and then was shipped out to the South Pacific. He never saw action as a pilot and was instead stationed as needed aboard ship in a variety of positions. The war impacted him greatly and he never talked about it much, yet he was a proud Veteran and Patriot.

After the war ended, he attended Cal Poly, which was an all boys school at the time and received his degree in Electrical Engineering. He then returned to Burney and worked at the mill as an Electrician.

It was love at first sight when he laid eyes on his future bride Milly, as she helped her folks move cows down 299 in McArthur. As he told it, “She was the prettiest girl I’d ever seen” and immediately had his friend John McArthur arrange a double date with him, Shirley and “the dark haired beauty on the horse”. They married in 1954 and started their married life in Burney, moving to Glenburn 2 years later when his father in law Walter Jensen became ill. And that was when he found his true calling. He became a Rancher. He was taught the ropes by his wife, and mother in law Zereda, and quickly became a “natural”. He and Milly registered their own brand and became the Bar Thirteen Ranch. He loved to ride and round up stray cows on the summer range with Milly by his side and whether it was a cattle drive, branding, fence mending, putting up hay or feeding, he truly enjoyed every minute. They invested wisely and grew their herd of Hereford cattle, creating a life together that was so satisfying they didn’t want to do anything or live anywhere else in the world.

As their family grew, he taught his children Marty, Debbie and Tim the ranching way of life and to always shut the gate, turn off the water, and put back whatever tool you borrowed where you found it. He instilled old fashioned values and was the true example of a hand shake was as good as gold. His kindness towards others was part of his gentle spirit and his endearing smile and twinkle in his bright blue eyes will not be forgotten.

His involvement in the community spanned decades and he enjoyed belonging to many clubs and organizations. Among his favorites were the Sheriff’s Flying Posse, Elks, Shriners, Masons and the Cattlemen’s Association. His love of flying was something his entire family enjoyed and we were in the plane as much as we were in the car. Loop de loops, soaring through clouds and buzzing the house…such thrills we enjoyed with him. He was the happiest when he was on his horse or in his plane, with Milly by his side. Such love and joy they shared here on earth and now they are together with their Lord and Savior…eternally.

He is survived by his son Marty (Lisa) Lakey, daughter Debbie Lakey, and son Tim (Val) Lakey, grandchildren Marianne Lakey, Nick (Leslie) Lakey, Mandy Lakey, Shay Corder, Justin (Sera) Warner, and Brian Carmentia, 7 great grandchildren, Emma, Brianna, Jacob, Lily, Hayden, Daniel and Autumn. His grandson Nick and wife Leslie are expecting his 8th great granddaughter in May. He also leaves a sister, Marcie Thornhill, brother Kenneth (Sumi) Lakey and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, March 4th at 2:30 p.m. in George Ingram Hall at the Intermountain Fairgrounds in McArthur. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sheriff’s Flying Posse, Shriners Hospital, the Pete Lakey Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice.