Richard Drake Dec. 29, 1937-June 26, 2009
Richard L. Drake, son of Vernon and Mae (Warrick) Drake, was born December 29, 1937 at his parents’ farm home north of Mount Ayr, Iowa. He passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 26, 2009.
In April 1954, Richard was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Mount Ayr. He graduated from Mount Ayr Community high school in 1956 at which time he joined the U.S. Army serving from 1956-1959.
On August 10, 1959, he was united in marriage to Donna Holtzman. Richard and Donna were blessed with five children, Karen, James, Sandy, Larry and Eric. Donna passed away on July 1, 1994.
On February 20, 1997, Richard was married to Judy Rothman. Joining his family at this time were Judy’s children, Don (Julie) Rothman, Diane (Bill) Emard, Debbie (Mike) Davis, Joe Rothman and Bernie Rothman as well as 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Judy died in August 2004.
Richard farmed most of his life. He was also employed by Draper Produce; Mount Ayr schools as a bus driver; he worked as a carpenter with Lyndon Drake, and for Ringgold County Secondary Roads. He retired in 2005.
Richard was preceded in death by his wives, Donna and Judy; infant son, James Vernon, in 1960; his parents; parents-in-law Omer and Jenny Holtzman; a sister, Florence Foltz; brother, Glenn Drake; sister-in-law, Irene Feuring; brothers-in-law Roland Powell, Bill Johnson, Elmer Holtzman, Floyd Holtzman, Rex Foltz and Les Troster.
Survivors include his children, Karen (Terry) Curtiss of Great Falls, Montana, Sandy (Bob) Izer of Aplington, Iowa, Larry (Peggy) Drake of Mount Ayr, Iowa and Eric (Kerra) Drake of Blockton, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Helen (Wayland) Young of Philomouth, Oregon and Rose (Robert) Findley of Savannah, Missouri, and numerous other relatives and close friends.
Services were held at Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, with Rev. Al Rusk officiating. Musicians included Nancy Sackett, Barbie Belzer and Ed McCreary.
Casket bearers were Deric Drake, Scott Drake, Randy Drake, Randy Johnson, Howard Johnson Buddy Powell, Rob Beattie and Rod Shields.
Richard was laid at rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
