Melvin Lakes, age 78, better known as “Blue”, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in Richmond, KY, surrounded by family. He was born at home in Sand Gap, KY, on April 24, 1947, to the now late Bart J. and Maggie (Morris) Lakes.
Blue lived his entire life in Jackson County and was a life-long member of McKee Baptist Church. He was a 1965 graduate of McKee High School and later attended EKU and Sue Bennett College. He wore many hats during his lifetime, state health inspector, owned a local restaurant and a video store, drive-in movie operator, played guitar in multiple bands, car wash equipment sales, and radio announcer for the high school ball teams, but what his life revolved around most was his passion, being a funeral director at Lakes Funeral Home, and also serving Jackson County as coroner for 20 years.
Blue is survived by his son Scotty Lakes and his wife Leighann, his granddaughter Morgan Lakes Hooker and her husband Mark, by step grandchildren Anna Parker-Harris and John Parker-Harris, and by the twinkle in his eye, his great-granddaughter, Kendall Lakes. Also surviving are his loving siblings, Marie Rader, Manuel (Bonnie) Lakes, Murrell (Ardean) Lakes, and Margaret (Garland) Farmer, as well as bonus grand Zander Elam. Blue is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Teresa Montgomery, Valerie Rowland, Jenny Wlson, Shelley Wolfe, Kim Marcum, Greg Lakes, Kyle Lakes, Angie Halstead, Janel Davenport, Kelli Ann Mullins and a host of grand nieces and nephews.
Blue is also survived by his wife Rosetta Henson Lakes and her three children, Laura (Scott) Combs, Jenny (Russ) Farmer, and Amy Brown Burns, as well as 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
In addition to his parents Blue was preceded in death by two older sisters and their husbands, Marline and Lendon Powell and Mildred and Don Rowland, by a nephew, Anthony Powell, and by two other brothers-in-law, Doug Rader and Kenneth Riley. Another person who was most loved in Blue’s life was Granny Belle Judd Lakes.
Blue was not only a cherished member of this family, but he was a valued member of this community. There’s not enough room in this obituary to express how much this man accomplished and how many lives he touched. He considered it an honor to be a resident of Jackson County and with a duty-bound dedication he loved to serve others in it. His compassion, sense of humor and endless hugs will be deeply missed by all he encountered. Since adolescence, Blue dedicated his life to the Funeral Home. When he was not working, he enjoyed a good round of golf, UK basketball on good seasons, picking a guitar and singing for over 20 years with the gospel group, the Lakes’, but most of all he enjoyed being with his family. Blue was a little guy that lived a big life, and his loss leaves a giant hole in the collective hearts of all those he leaves behind. The way he led his life as a God-fearing man provides us with peace and comfort that Heaven is his reward. We can hold and honor the memory of this man that made it his life’s mission to uplift others and love unconditionally. Until we meet again.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 P.M. Saturday, December 27, 2025, with Bro. Ron Maharrey and Bro. Bian Gabbard presiding. Burial will follow in the T.M. Lakes Cemetery in Sand Gap. Pallbearers include Greg Lakes, Kyle Lakes, Doug Wilson, Zander Elam, Craig Halstead, Mark Hooker and Garland Farmer. Honorary pallbearers are his neighbors, business partners, and lifelong friends. You know who you are. It would be impossible to list, and out of respect, we wouldn’t want to miss any one of you that had a special relationship with Blue. He meant so much to so many, and you meant so much to him.
Lakes Funeral Home oversaw arrangements. www.lakesfuneralhomemckee.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jackson County Cancer Fund or the Jackson County Food Bank.
