Dr. George William Lake, age 86, of Jefferson, died Thursday, September 14, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born September 14, 1931 in Sunbury, the son of Jack & Edith (Trees) Lake.  George (Bill) attended Big Walnut High School in Sunbury where he was an athlete, especially enjoying basketball and football.  He was a       U. S. Army veteran from 1951-1953 serving in the Korean Conflict before his honorable discharge.

Bill then enrolled at Ohio State University in 1954, earning his bachelor’s degree in three years while also working road construction in the summers.  He completed his study of veterinary medicine at Ohio State University, receiving his doctorate degree in 1960.  He passed both the Ohio Board exam and Kentucky Board exam with a higher score, before entering his practice.  When in Kentucky he enjoyed working on the Hanover Shoe Farm.

Dr. Lake met his wife of 60 years, Edith Ileen Knox in London, Ohio in 1957.  They were married on August 16, 1958 while Dr. Lake was a veterinary student at OSU.  Upon Dr. Lake’s graduation, they moved to Jefferson in 1961 and opened a veterinary medicine practice at the home.  With the help of Ileen, who served as his receptionist and assistant, Dr. Lake practiced veterinary medicine for 50 years until his retirement in 2011.

After moving to Jefferson, the State Veterinary Board asked him to administer the tuberculous vaccine to all cattle in Ashtabula County, it took two years to complete.  Dr. Lake enjoyed working with large animals, including circus animals, which he would sometimes board.  He was also the Ashtabula Co. Fair veterinarian for many years.

He enjoyed maintaining his property and loved to mow, as well as travel the United States with Ileen. They were in the Rotary Club for many years as well as dance and bridge clubs.

Survivors include two children, Betsy (Terry) Lake Heath & James (Tracy) Lake, both of Jefferson, eight grandchildren, Dr. Nathaniel (Brittany) Franley, Deidra (Christopher) Edison, Matthew (Cheyenne) Lake, Keenan (Allie) Franley, Tyler Lake, Kyle Lake, Audra Franley & Kailey Lake, two great-grandchildren, Kash Lake & Norah Lake and two sisters, Joann Ward of Sunbury & Mary Lou Wood of Hillard.  His parents and wife, Ileen on 2/20/17 preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00 A. M. at the Jefferson United Methodist Church, 125 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, with the Rev. Daniel Bilkert officiating.  Private burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery.  No visitation will be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in care of James Lake, 1096 Lenox-New Lyme Rd., Jefferson, OH  44047 to acknowledge the compassion and care of Bill’s caregivers over the past several weeks.  Envelopes will also be at the church.

The Fleming & Billman Funeral Homes and Crematory, Jefferson, Ashtabula & Geneva are honored to serve Dr. Lake’s family.  Visit fleming-billman.com to view obituary, express condolences or light a candle.

 Service Information