Jasper Herman Lakey

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.

Jasper Herman Lakey

July 11, 1931 - September 17, 2024