Arthur Dale Drake

Arthur (Dale) Drake was born at home in Spencer, West Virginia on October 14th, 1938 to Chester Drake and Maggie Butler.

 

He was married a month shy of 50 years to Ruth (Sandy) Thompson Drake on April 19, 1965 in Tiro, Ohio.  She preceded him in death on March 15, 2015.

One daughter, Kimberly (Terry) Bailey of Fremont. One grandson, Christopher (Brandie) Keith. Two great grandsons, Zachariah and Alexander Keith.  Brother, Roger Drake, Hartville, Ohio and sister, Terri Jane (Charles) McGee, Helena, Ohio, sister in law, Brenda Mason, Galion, Ohio and brother in law, Donald (Linda) Thompson, Clyde, Ohio along with sister-in-law, Lois Drake of Hartville. Special canine Pup and grand dog, Ryder.  Many nephews and nieces.

 

He was a maintenance set up operator at Lear Corporation in Fremont, Ohio along with his coworkers Jay Meyers, Gene Haas and Paul Kiser, who fondly recall so many great stories of his humor, hard work and knowledge that he taught to so many.

 

He officially retired at age 79 when he met his special companion, Bonnie Drown and became a snowbird in Florida. He loved relaxing in the sunroom and going with Bonnie to flea markets and antique stores.

 

His knowledge of horticulture and gardening was immense with a special fondness for walnut trees. Planting many trees throughout his lifetime including many on his property, while raising a large garden to share vegetables with family and friends. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, trapping and fishing and worked in the orchards in Florida. He loved to read. Always a great storyteller, remembering every detail of his life in the hills of West Virginia and fond memories of his work days. He loved to drink a (halfa cup) of coffee with family and friends including special friends John Estep, Joe Gill, Randy Halbisen and Herman Kelbley.

Sisters Connie Lowe and Susan Smith, brothers James and Charles Drake; sisters-in-law, Marie Drake and Sharon Wheeler; brother-in-law, Ralph Smith preceded him in death.