Lee R. "Papa D" Drake, 78, went to be with the love of his life, his wife Shirley, on Saturday (April 28, 2012).
He passed away at his home with his family by his side.
Lee was born on Feb. 26, 1934, in Newton, W.Va., to Okey and Bessie Drake. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 at the age of 17. On Feb. 26, 1956, Lee married Shirley Porter. They were married for 50 years. She preceded him in death on Aug. 22, 2006.
Lee served 10 years active duty in Korea and was presented a Purple Heart. Lee was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, and later at Ft. Hood in Texas for many years. After having five children, Lee decided to move his family and settle down in Kansas. At that time, he enlisted in the National Guard, until eventually retiring after a combined total of 23 years of service.
Lee always was a hard worker. He worked many jobs to provide for his family, until eventually retiring from Hay and Forage in Hesston. Lee was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Fraternal Order of Eagles.
After his wife's passing in 2006, Lee moved in with his daughter and son-in-law, Darlene and Dwayne Herman.
Lee was active with many outdoor activities. He enjoyed gardening, bird watching, fishing and feeding fish by the pond. Lee had a great passion for RC scale model airplanes. He took pleasure in assembling the planes and watching them fly.
Lee liked shopping trips, but most of all he was thankful for his family and the time they shared together. The family is thankful for his life and love. They will miss him and carry him in their hearts always.
Lee is survived by one son, Kenneth (Jeanne) Drake of Newton; four daughters, Darlene (Dwayne) Herman and Sandy (Steve) Abrahams, both of Newton, Janet (Robert) Kirk of Meriden, and Karen (Richard) Lankton of Claremore, Okla.; two sisters; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Okey and Bessie Drake; two sisters; his wife, Shirley Drake; and one grandson.
A graveside committal service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Halstead Cemetery in Halstead. Military honors will be presented by the U.S.A. Army of Ft. Riley.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Care of Kansas or Caring Hands Humane Society, in memory of Lee Drake.
Petersen Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Visit Petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com.
