Our Heritage

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.