Arthur Lee Laake Jr. was born Dec. 17, 1961 in Vernon to Arthur Lee Laake Sr. and Sharon Lee Jay. He passed from this life Tuesday, Sept. 1 at the age of 58 years, 8 months and 15 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Sharon Laake. He is survived today by his wife of 31 years, Katee Laake and his sons: Levi Laake & wife Hailey of Bryson, Dakota Laake & wife Ashlyn of Jacksboro, Dillion Laake & wife Mia of Colgate, Okla.; his daughters: Jade Harton & husband Jason of Amarillo, and Lashawna Laake of Odessa; grandchildren: Grace, Ian, Brantley, Alec, Maci, Levi, James, Mercedes, Ariana, Kambree, Aspen and number 11 on the way; Sister, Debbie Williams & husband Keith of Jacksboro; Brothers: Yancey Laake & wife Lynn Laake of Jacksboro and Tracey Laake & wife Alisha of Jacksboro. As well as many nieces and nephews.

Art was an adventurous guy. He loved to rodeo in his younger years and even winning the 1980 Texas state champion saddle bronc riding. He loved his family and without a doubt like to tell stories to anyone who would listen. You could find him any Friday night the past few years at the end of the football field waiting for a touch down from the Tigers, so he could blow the horns.

If a cloud was in the sky most of his family could expect a call with a weather report. He even had the little tornado spinner literally like off of the show twister outside. He could be spotted wearing anything Texas Tech, he loved the Raiders. His favorite tv show was Yellowstone and the Cowboy Way, Yancey knew after each episode they would have to break down what went on and decide what was coming up next.

Spending time with his grandkids and watching them play was something he loved most. He had found a church to call home at Christian Missions and did not hesitate to share his love for God on Sundays. Even though he had dibs on the back seat of the church and made sure everyone knew it! (I mean really, do not sit there really) He will tell you that’s “his seat”.