MERL EDWARD DRAKE

Merl Edward Drake, son of Warren and Mary (Ferber) Drake, was born July 23, 1937 at Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Merl graduated from Mount Ayr High School and served his country in the armed forces. On July 22, 1960, Merl married Thelma Lea Maudlin in Ottumwa, Iowa. 
Merl farmed and drove a truck. He loved his family and enjoyed making the events that his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were involved in.
Merl passed away on May 28, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Thelma on April 22, 2010; siblings Linden Drake, Lyle Drake, and Paul Drake; and brother-in-law Herb Johnston.
Survivors include his children Scott Drake of Mount Ayr and Vickie Drake and fiancé Don Thomas of Carlisle, IA; grandchildren Chad (Laura) Drake, Brittney (Josh) Pickering, Nathan (Tanya) Drake, Curt (Ashley) Vanderflught and Luke (Ashley) Vanderflught; great grandchildren Anastacia, Gunner, Rhaylin, Prue, Clayton, Daron, Evelyn and Gabe; twin sibling Mildred Johnston of Urbandale, IA; sisters-in-law Donella Drake and Mildred (Mickey) Drake both of Mount Ayr; Luella (Ralph) Barker of Charles City, IA and Retha Owens of Leon, IA; other relatives and friends.
Family and friends will gather at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr for a visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 2 with graveside services beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the Lotts Grove Cemetery near Hatfield, MO. Randy Drake will officiate the services in the graveside service. Memorials are to HCI Care Services in Mount Ayr. Online condolences may be left at www.armstrongfh.com.