Paul Dean LackeyPaul Dean Lackey, of Warsaw, left his earthly home and entered his heavenly home at 11 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, at his residence at the age of 80.
He was born on March 4, 1941, in Warsaw, to Leona Grace Frink Lackey and John Frederick Lackey. On April 2, 1983, he married Pamela Kay Walters, who survives. For 38 years, they shared their lives in everything they did from raising their children to becoming grandparents and great-grandparents. They enjoyed many wonderful adventures, including their most memorable trip to the Smokey Mountains in 2019.
Paul was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, where he was a 1959 graduate of Leesburg High School, Leesburg. On Oct. 14, 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and at the young age of 18, went off to San Diego, Calif., for boot camp. The Navy sent him to Mechanical Engineering School at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Afterward, he was sent to submarine school in New London, Conn. Paul was assigned to the USS Sailfish, a U.S. Sargo-class submarine. During his Naval career, he made several trips to Scotland and Cuba where they were anchored at Dog Rock during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He proudly served for four years and was honorably discharged on July 29, 1963.
Paul worked for several years at Zimmer Inc. in Warsaw and took an early retirement. He then worked at Indiana Vac-Form in Warsaw until he officially retired. He was always a hard worker and could always be counted on when needed. He was a longtime member of Pleasant View Bible Church in Warsaw where he enjoyed fellowship with his church family. He loved the outdoors, camping, hiking and spending time with his family. Paul will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Pam Lackey, Warsaw; five daughters: Sheri (Jack) Bryant, Winona Lake; Kathie Jo Stucko, Salida, Colo.; Marlynn (Jerry) Mast, Topeka, Ind.; Karen Lackey, Palestine; Ashleigh (Andy) LeCount, Leesburg; and Sebastian Lackey, Akron, grandson raised as son. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Donella Jones, Austin, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Karen Marjean Holland; and brother, Philip Lane Lackey.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Paul’s life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 5 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Mike Hontz. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw with military rites conducted by members of the American Legion Post #49, V.F.W. #1126, both of Warsaw, and active duty members of the Navy Honor Guard.
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Memorial donations may be directed to Pleasant View Bible Church, 2782 W. 200 N., Warsaw, IN 46580.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
