Willie L. Lake

Willie L. Lake “Buck” was born to Welton and Eva Lake on October 13, 1959 in Charleston, Mississippi. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1964, where he began elementary school. Buck moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1968. He continued his education at Indianapolis Public Schools 27, 101 and Arsenal Technical High School.

Buck accepted Christ at the age of eleven and was baptize at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. 

He entered the work force at an early age working for Great Lake Chemicals. He was a jack of all trades and had many talents. Buck also worked at IUPUI until he retired in 2020. 

Buck spent 17 years with his partner Terri with whom he raised three children, Kellita, Jamarkus and Damawn. He loved fishing and watching football especially the Dallas Cowboys. 

Willie L. Lake departed this earth on November 13, 2024. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Fred and Melvina White Sr.; parents, Welton and Eva Mae Lake Sr.; brother, Edward Smith; and nephew, Andre Lake. 

He leaves behind his children: Kellita Morgan (Sam), JaMarkus, and Damawn; grandchildren: Tyler, Jeremiah, Terri, William and ShaMari; great-granddaughter, J’Lynn; siblings: Charles Lake, Welton Lake Jr., Barbara Ann Staples, Ralph Lake (Latoya), Margaret Perry, Angie Lake, Danny Lake, Jamie Lake, Sally Sparks and Pam Gordon; nephews and nieces: Charles Lake Jr. (Brandi), Lakeyta Willingham, Terrell Lake (Desiree), Andrea Staples and Jeremy Staples; a host of aunts, uncles, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.