(Nov. 28, 1944 - Dec. 20, 2008)John Victor Lake Jr., 64, a Wyoming resident for 51 years, died Saturday, Dec. 20 at his home in Rapid City, S.D.Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 27 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Gillette. Military honors were provided by the American Legion Post #42 of Gillette. John was born in Pueblo, Colo., on Nov. 28, 1944, to John and Jacqueline Lake. He later moved to Wyoming and attended high school in Powell. Moving yet again he graduated in 1962, in Scottsbluff, Nebr. John enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country for three years. After returning from Vietnam in 1965, John worked in Powell and soon after, he married Claudia Scott in August of 1966.John received a second chance at life when he was tragically injured in a car accident and became a paraplegic. John was determined to make the best of life and enrolled in college, graduating from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1975 with a J.D. degree. John practiced law for 30 years and retired from the county attorney's office in Campbell County in 2005. John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Claudia Lake, of Rapid City, S.D.; daughter, son in-law, granddaughter and grandson: Jennifer, Justin, Justyce and Korbyn Eliassen, of Gillette; daughter, son in-law, and granddaughter: Bianca, Mike and Cheyenne Mayfield, all of Surprise, Ariz.; son, Justin Lake of Gillette; and numerous friends and extended family.He was preceded in death by his parents.Memorials are suggested to benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America in John's name. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716 or via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.

(Nov. 28, 1944 - Dec. 20, 2008)

John Victor Lake Jr., 64, a Wyoming resident for 51 years, died Saturday, Dec. 20 at his home in Rapid City, S.D.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 27 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Gillette. Military honors were provided by the American Legion Post #42 of Gillette.

John was born in Pueblo, Colo., on Nov. 28, 1944, to John and Jacqueline Lake. He later moved to Wyoming and attended high school in Powell. Moving yet again he graduated in 1962, in Scottsbluff, Nebr. John enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country for three years. After returning from Vietnam in 1965, John worked in Powell and soon after, he married Claudia Scott in August of 1966.

John received a second chance at life when he was tragically injured in a car accident and became a paraplegic.

John was determined to make the best of life and enrolled in college, graduating from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1975 with a J.D. degree. John practiced law for 30 years and retired from the county attorney's office in Campbell County in 2005.

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Claudia Lake, of Rapid City, S.D.; daughter, son in-law, granddaughter and grandson: Jennifer, Justin, Justyce and Korbyn Eliassen, of Gillette; daughter, son in-law, and granddaughter: Bianca, Mike and Cheyenne Mayfield, all of Surprise, Ariz.; son, Justin Lake of Gillette; and numerous friends and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials are suggested to benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America in John's name. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716 or via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.