Lakes Funeral Homes History and Staff

Old McKee Funeral Home

The Lakes Funeral Home began March 10,1961 in McKee, KY in Jackson County when Bart J. Lakes and his son Manuel Lakes took over ownership of the Baker Funeral Home. Manuel was followed close behind by his two brothers Murrell Lakes and Melvin "Blue" Lakes and they mark the second generation in "Family Service".

Manuel sold the business in McKee to his brother Murrell and moved to Berea, KY in Southern Madison County in 1976, where he worked for many years for Mildred Wray at the former Wray Funeral Home, their brother Melvin "Blue" Lakes is the current owner of the Lakes Funeral Home in McKee.

The Lakes Funeral Home in Berea, as it is known today began in the former Berea Medical Plaza, which housed the late Dr. Carl Kesner's office and a pharmacy. The building, which was unfinished was the perfect start for a funeral establishment, all ground level, accessible to those with disabilities, and a large area for parking, and space for future additions. After adding two large chapels and remodeling the rest of the building, Lakes Funeral Home was opened on July 15, 1988.

Manuel's son Gregory B. Lakes, Co-Owner, graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in 1993, became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, and is the current manager. Greg and his wife Rachel Roberts-Lakes, the daughter of Brenda Wesley of Ohio, reside in Berea and have two children Reva Mallory and MacGregor Blue Lakes. Greg is an active member of the Christ's Church at Union in Berea, serving as Deacon. A member of the Berea LIONS Club, and is currently serving as Central District President of the Funeral Director's Association of Kentucky. Greg is also the Owner and operator of Lakes Monument Company.

In 1996 Manuel's daughter Janel Lakes Davenport, Co-Owner, joined the staff. Janel is the only active female licensed funeral director in this area. She is also the licensed insurance agent. Her husband Jerry, also a 1993 graduate of Mid-America College of Funeral Service, is a licensed funeral director and embalmer at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home in Lexington. Janel and Jerry reside in Berea and have a son, Jackson Clay and a daughter, Maggie Michelle. Janel is active in her church and community. She is a member of the Berea Younger Woman's Club, past president of the Berea Lioness club, and past board member of the Berea Chamber of Commerce.

Manuel's daughter, Shelley Lakes Jennings, Co-Owner, of Berea, came on in 2002. Shelley is a 1992 Graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, with a degree in Health Information Management, currently is a Funeral Service Consultant with Milso Industries and is a consultant for Lakes Funeral Home. Shelley resides in Berea and has two children Leia Jordan and Colby Jennings. Shelley is past secretary of the Berea Younger Woman's Club.

These three are proud to follow in the footsteps of their father, Manuel, and become the third Generation to serve those in their time of greatest need, the loss of someone they love.

Tod Jennings, son of Homer and Valette Jennings, has been on staff since 2002. He serves as a licensed funeral director and assists with the Lakes Monument Company. He resides in Berea and has two children.

Paul E. Dean, joined our staff in 1996, after his retirement as a sales rep for Kraft General Foods, a native of Clover Bottom, KY in Jackson Co., he is the son of the late Rev. Ray and Suda Davidson Dean and is the husband of Janet Crawford Dean, daughter of Edna Crawford of Berea and the late Elmo Crawford. Paul received his Funeral Directors license in 1999 and is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. Paul and Jan have two daughters Amy Dean Herronkohl and her husband Ensign Shad Herronkohl, an U.S. Naval Aviator, stationed in Oklahoma and Anne Dean Devere, a teacher with the Madison County school system in Berea.

Lakes Funeral Home is proud to welcome Ricky Waddle as our newest employee to Berea. Ricky will be serving a one year apprenticeship here at Lakes Funeral Home in an effort to achieve his Kentucky Funeral Directors and Embalmers license. Ricky Waddle, of Flatwoods, Kentucky is the son of Rick and Valerie Waddle. Ricky graduated with honors in 2004 from Russell High school of Russell, Kentucky. He went to the University of the Cumberlands to earn his core educational requirements. After two years there, he was accepted into the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. In March 2008, Ricky graduated Cum Laude, receiving his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Mortuary Science. In addition to his notable scholastic standing, he received both the Ivan P. Bowsher Award for excellence in Restorative Art and the prestigious James C. Lyerly Award for potential expertise in business management.

Barbara Dula, is a part-time attendant at the funeral home. She is the wife of Rev. A. Maurice Dula.

Laura Wainscott is also a part-time attendant. She is a full time employee of Madison Southern High School.

Betty Burnell, wife of J.C. "Trig" Burnell, is a part-time attendant and organist

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