David Lenning Laker

David Lenning Laker 84 of Philo, formerly of Danville passed away at 10:47 p.m. Tuesday February 18, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. 

A Celebration of Life in David’s memory will be from 4 to 8 PM on Tuesday August 11, 2020 at Riggs Beer Company, 1901 S. Highcross Rd., Urbana, 61802.  Friends and family are invited to attend.  Because of the COVID-19 virus safety plan, please wear a mask and observe social distancing.  Riggs Beer Company will allow 50 people in their building at a time.

David was born August 12, 1935 in Danville, the son of Samuel and Thelma (Lenning) Laker. They preceded him in death.

David married Sara Williams in 1956 and she survives. While married to Sara the family lived in Fithian where David was involved in politics and local government boards.

He later married Susan Sievers in 1990 and they resided in Philo. Susan passed away on June 22, 2019. 

He is survived by sons and daughters, David E. Laker (Mary Ann) of Fithian, Sam Kern Laker (Linda) of Crawfordsville, IN, Laura Laker Payne (Joel) of Fithian, Katina Kooi (Chris) of Springfield, Ryan Laker (Christina) of Hebron, KY, Joshua Laker (Melissa) of Huntington, WV, brothers, Stephen Laker (Judy) of Oakwood, Stanley Laker (Diana) of Alcoa, TN, Sisters, Julia Demmin (Nancy) of Amherst, MA, Mary Helen Skinner (Gordon) of Danville and eight grandchildren. 

David graduated from Danville High School and attended the U of I.  He was a machinist and engineer for General Motors, Danville, the U of I, and U S Abilities where he was owner and operator.  He was also a principal partner in SLM Instruments. 

He enjoyed motorcycling, fishing, hunting, auto racing, Illini sports and was an avid reader.

Memorial Contributions may be made in David’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Lenning Laker, please visit our floral store.