Earl W. Drake
Earl W. Drake, 75 of Marietta passed away on Monday, September 16, 2013, at his home. He was born April 28, 1938 at Marietta, Ohio to Mary Madeline Dixon Drake and Earl Drake. After his mother's death in 1941, he was raised by his maternal grandparents, Oliver and Clara Tice Dixon.
Earl attended Willard Elementary School and Marietta High School. He served 4 years in the United States Air Force. After his military service he worked for Smith & Burrows Roofing. In October 1987, with his son, he started his own roofing company, E.W. Drake Roofing and Sheet Metal.
He spent the winter months in Punta Gorda, Florida. He was a member of the Marietta F.O.E. 458, the Marietta Loyal Order of the Moose 1823, the Marietta Elks 477, the Marietta VFW Post 5108 and the Ohio Roofing Association
In 1962 he married Norma Jeffers Drake who survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Christina Buchanan (Terry) and a son Eric Drake (Mary Ann); four grandchildren, Chelsea Buchanan, Ryan Buchanan, Keith Drake and Jessica Drake Handschumacher and four great grandchildren, Tacie Mae Goddard, Mylee Drake, Payton Drake and Alexis Handschumacher. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Jean Nolen-Ellis (Walter), Carolyn Naylor (Mike) and a brother-in-law Clarence (Bud) Jeffers (June).
He was predeceased by his parents and grandparents and a brother-in-law George Jeffers and sister-in-law Mable Allen Jeffers.
The family will greet friends on Thursday (September 19) at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home from 2-4 and 6-8. Following visitation his body will be cremated and a graveside service will be held at a later date. Messages to the family may be sent at www.lankfordfh.com.
Memorial donations in Earl’s honor may be sent to Hospice, 450 Pike Street or the Marietta Corp of the Salvation Army, 136 Front Street both in Marietta, OH 45750