Topeka Capital-Journal; Topeka KS; 2002-12-22

WATHENA (KS) -- Clarence Austin LAKIN, 86, formerly of Wathena, died
Saturday, Dec 21, 2002, in St Joseph, MO.  Mr Lakin was employed by the
U S Treasury Department as a customs inspector in International Falls,
MN, until 1981.  He was an Army Air Corps officer during World War II and
served in the Pacific theater and European theater.  He was a four-time
recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air medal for service
as a pilot for troop transport carriers.  He also received the Corix de
Guerre for the French government.  He was employed as a captain with
the Phillppine Air lines for a time following the war and called back
to active duty during the Korean War.  He retired from the Air Force at
the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1964 and ferried aircraft to Australia
and Europe for a short time after retiring.

He was born Jan 20, 1916, in Wathena, to Jacob Austin and Clara WENDE
LAKIN.  He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1941.  He moved
back to the St Joseph area in 1986.  Mr Lakin was a life member of the
Lutheran Church, a member of the Retired Officers Association, and the
National Association of Retired Federal Employees.  He was a former
member of the Air National Guard in St Joseph.

He married Carolyn Kienhoff on July 16, 1943, in Wathena.  She survives.
Other survivors include a daughter, Carolyn Kathleen "Kathie" CASEY,
Minneapolis MN; and three granddaughters.  Mr Lakin was preceded in
death by a son, Lt Roger LAKIN, who was killed in the Vietnam War.

Mr Lakin bequeathed his body to the Mayo Clinic Medical School in
Rochester MN.  A memorial service will be at a later date.  Memorial
contributions may be made to Chirst Lutheran Pre-School at Christ Lutheran
Church in Wathena, 66090.  Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena is in
charge of arrangements.