From Marty Lacker:
I have the unfortunate task of officially sadly announcing the passing of Lamar Fike as authorized by his cousin Tommy McDonald who was very close to Lamar and was with him daily in his hospital room in Arlington,Texas. Lamar passed away very peacefully last night, Friday, January 21. Lamar had been hospitalized since last October 14th and then transferred to the physical therapy wing of the hospital. Unfortunately he did not improve and was sent back to the hospital about a month ago. Outside of Red West, Lamar was with Elvis the longest and he remained close to him until Elvis' passing. Lamar was also very close to Elvis' mother.
Lamar's wishes to be cremated will be carried out and the Brown, Owen, Brumley Funeral Home, Ft. Worth are handling his funeral. A memorial service will be held in Mart, Texas, one of Lamar's boyhood homes at a date to be announced. Lamar was 75, he was born in Cleveland, Mississippi on November 11, 1935.
Those of us in the Memphis Mafia who remained his friend are greatly saddened by the loss of yet another member of our close group. May G-d Bless his Soul and may he Rest In Peace. Marty.
Elvis Presley and Lamar Fike at the carpark / observation lookout high above Hanauma Bay, Hawaii, May 1969.
Photos: Elvis Presley and Lamar Fike