Jasper Herman Lakey
July 11, 1931 - September 17, 2024
Jasper Herman Lakey, age 93, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
Born in Wilmington, DE on July 11, 1931, he was a son of the late Jasper M. and Mary A. (Zeuris) Lakey. Jasper played baseball as a pitcher in Canada before serving in the United States Marine Corps from May 20, 1952 until May 19, 1954. For many years until his retirement, he was employed at the Delaware City Refinery as the fire chief.
A strong commitment to serving his community, Jasper was a past president and life member of Delaware City Fire Company. He joined the Fire Company on April 27, 1948. During his 76 years of service, Jasper served 2 different terms as President and also served as Vice President and on the Board of Directors for over 40 years. He also served as 2nd Assistant Chief. Jasper not only served the Delaware City Fire Company, but he also served both New Castle County and the State of Delaware Firefighter Associations. He was a Past President of the New Castle County Firefighters and Fire Chiefs Associations. Jasper served as President of the Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association and was President of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association. He also served 12 years on the Delaware State Fire Commission, where is served as Co-Chairman.
Jasper was recognized with many awards during his years of service. He was recognized as the State of Delaware’s Fireman of the Year, New Castle County Fireman of the Year, Sonny Wilkins Longevity Award, New Castle County Fire Policeman of the Year as well as the State of Delaware Fire Policeman of the Year. Jasper was recognized many times with fire company awards, as the President Chiefs Award, Presidents Award and Chiefs Award. He was also an Honorary Member of the Ladies Auxiliary as well as a Life Member of the Odessa Fire Company. Jasper left an everlasting legacy with in the Delaware City Fire Company. Jasper endeared himself to many, many people in the Delaware Fire Service.
In addition to his parents, Jasper was preceded in death by his wife, Louise (Cathcart) Lakey. He is survived by his brother, Edward A. Lakey (Jeanne) of FL; sister, Mary Lou Bond of CA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11:30 am on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Delaware City Fire Company, 815 5th Street, Delaware City, DE 19706, where a funeral service will begin at 11:30 am. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jasper’s memory to the Delaware City Fire Company, P.O. Box 251, Delaware City, DE 19706 or online by clicking here; or to St. Paul Parish, P.O. Box 544, Delaware City, DE 19706 or online by clicking here.
Mike Donahue
REST IN PEACE CHIEF
Caren Bond
Jasper was truly one of a kind. My condolences to his family.
Dave Cochran
What a man! Jasper was a man you could always count on!! You knew when the chips were down, Jasper. would be there. We worked together in the Station 34, until I transferred in 1975. He would jump in on any task, as indicated in his history! Rest easy, Sonny, your watch is over and under the eyes of the good lord!
Dave Cochran
Jack and Peggy Kirk
Very sorry for the passing of Jasper a friend for over 85 years.
W. Mike McMichael
Jasper we will ALL miss you and thank you for ALL that you did for our fire company, fire service and our community.
David Low
My condolences to Jasper’s family, which is huge, because it includes not only blood relatives, but all of us who have worked or served with him. I worked with him in the refinery fire department in the late 60’s. I saw, and felt, his dedication to protecting everyone. I remember when he literally put his life at great risk to save fellow employees. Just one example of a man that I’ve held in high esteem and honor for decades. Rest in peace, Jasper
Randy Roberts
A true, faithful and humble servant. A Delaware fire service pioneer and legend. Irreplaceable. Will miss you friend.
Mary Maden Ballance
Rest in Peace Jasper…..♥ We will never forget you.
Curt Clifton
Dear Edward, Mary Lou, and the Lakey Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Jasper was one on the finest members of the Delaware Fire Service I ever had the pleasure to meet. Jasper was always kind, patient, and willing to help anyone. He was always a gentlemen. Jasper’s ability to win over people was a natural talent. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and had the pleasure to meet him. Jasper, may you rest in peace.
Maryann Romano
My sympathies to Jasper’s family. Met him several times at conferences with my husband, JB Romano. I will remember him as a friendly, kind man. God bless.
Steve Lakey
Over the years anyone I ever met involved in the fire service in Delaware always asked if I was related to Jasper.
He certainly left his mark on many lives.
Rest in peace cousin.
Edward Lakey
Goodbye big brother.
Mary M Ballance (Meg)
Jasper, you were my second father. My sisters and I loved you so much. Rest in Peace Always wrapped in the arms of the Lord. Dad and Mom will take care of you…..Until we meet again. ♥
Stan Lakey
Jasper lived a long life, dedicated to his true calling and passion, the Fire Service. We all should be so lucky to live our dream.
Rest in Peace, Sonny
Kim
I am so sad to hear of Jasper’s passing. My condolences to his family. He was such a kind man. I am so happy to have met him and be able to work with him, he will always be one of my favorite clients.