FARMINGTON — Elmer E. Lake, 86, a resident of Fayette, died early Thursday, Feb. 23, at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

He was born Dec. 23, 1925, in East Wilton, the son of Bernal E. Lake and Helen (Bryant) Lake. In 1932, after the death of his father, the family moved to Church Street in Livermore Falls. He attended school in Livermore Falls.

Elmer worked for IP at the Otis Mill until he was drafted into the U.S. Army serving during World War II, and was discharged in 1946. When Elmer returned home, he worked on his grandfather’s farm and returned to work in the Coating Prep Department at the Otis Mill in Jay.

In 1952, he married Louise Paradis; together they raised seven children while farming on Moose Hill Road. Elmer retired in 1988 after 42 years. Elmer and Louise retired to “Tranquility Hill” on Fayette Ridge.

He enjoyed farming, gardening, playing cards, and in his younger years hunting. Elmer was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, his family meant everything to him, and his life revolved around them.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Louise Lake of Fayette; five sons, Bernal Lake and his wife, Jeannine, of Livermore Falls, Reginald Lake and his wife, Anna, of Jay, Greg Lake and his wife, Joy, of Livermore Falls, Rodney Lake and his wife, Laurie, of Livermore Falls and Jeffery Lake and his wife, Bethany, of Naples; two daughters, Lorinda Sargent of Colchester, Vt., and Benita Berry of Fayette; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Maxine Bailey; sister-in-law, Carolyn Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father and mother; sisters, Phyllis Dolloff and Minola Bubier; and brothers, Kenneth and Norman Lake.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Franklin Memorial Hospital for the care and compassion they showed Elmer during his stay there.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.

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