KOKOMO – Gregory Lee Drake, 75, Kokomo, entered Heaven at 9:43 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.
He was born June 8, 1947, in Madison, Wis., the son of the late Dr. Marion C. and Flora Louise (Harper) Drake. On Feb. 14, 2005, in Vero Beach, Fla., he married Patricia “Patty” Parton who survives.
Gregory graduated in 1965 from Wendell L. Willkie High School. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War.
He graduated from Vincennes University and IUPUI with an undergraduate degree. In 1988, he earned his master’s in electrical engineering from Indiana Wesleyan. He retired from Delphi Electronics.
Gregory was an avid golfer and enjoyed trips with his golfing buddies to Gulf Shores. He was a member of First Church of the Nazarene where he played guitar with the worship team. He also played in several other bands for 40 years. Gregory loved to entertain friends and family at the pool, especially his grandchildren.
Along with his wife, Patty, Gregory is also survived by his daughter, Holly (Brad) Powell; stepchildren, Trenton (Brooke) Webster and Carrie (James) Sonafrank; grandchildren, Logan Powell, J.T. Webster, Adam Webster, Gavin Sonafrank and Sadie Sonafrank; siblings, Jeanne Jones, Julie (Larry) Weaver and Marianne (Jay) Whitaker, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a aunt, Millie (Bob) Harrison.
Gregory was preceded in death by his mother, Flora Louise Anderson; father, Dr. Marion C. Drake; stepmother, Caroline Drake; and siblings, Robert Drake and Margaret Ann Almack.
Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. today, Feb. 17, 2023, at First Church of the Nazarene, 2734 S. Washington St., in Kokomo, with Pastor Tim Gates officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team at the end of the service.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 p.m. until time of service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gregory’s memory to First Church of the Nazarene or the DAV.
Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
