More detail on this person: Lt. Col (Ret.)
Michael L. Drake, 70, passed away Friday, July 29,
2016, unexpectedly at his home in Cicero.
He was born July 27, 1946 to Parents, Keith G.
Drake & Frankie Wilson Drake.
He was a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical
University with a Bachelor of Professional
Aeronautics degree. He later graduated from the
Command and General Staff College.
Lt. Col. Drake served his country for 25 years in
the Army. He served in Vietnam as a helicopter
pilot. He later transferred to the Finance Corp.
with the Army. He later served in other positions
in many different locations. During his tenure in
service he earned many decorations and medals,
including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished
Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious
Service Medal, Air Medal with Valor, Army
Commendation Medal with Valor, National Defense
Service Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and
the Vietnam Service Medal.
After serving his country he retired in Cicero and
started Duckmark Farms, a local flower and
produce business. He enjoyed flowers, plants,
working in the soil and watching things grow.
He was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots
Association, the Retired Military Officer
Association, VFW, American Legion, Kiwanis, and
Horticulture and Vegetable Growers Association.
His hobbies included being a certified scuba
diver, artist and he loved fishing and rock
hounding. He also worked the local Boy Scout
Troops.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Glenda
Rushing Drake, Cicero; a son, Dustin A. Drake
(Emmalee), Indianapolis; grandchildren, Otto and
Emma Drake, Indianapolis; his mother: Frankie W.
Drake, Cicero; brothers: Douglas Drake (Charlene),
Cicero, Timothy Drake (Kathy), Indianapolis;
sister, Denise Carey (Lucky), Westfield;
brothers-in-law, Edward Rushing, Winter Haven,
Fla., Geoff Rushing (Connie), Athens, Ga.; and
several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in
death by his father, Keith G. Drake and sister,
Priscilla D. Grinstead Visitation will begin at 1
p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016 at Brannen
Kennedy Funeral Home. Services will follow at 2
p.m., Wednesday at the Chapel of Brannen
Kennedy Funeral Home. Burial will be in Glennville
City Cemetery with Full
Military Honors.
Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home of Glennville is in
charge of the arrangements. Online condolences
may be made at www.brannenkennedy.com
This information was last updated 08/08/2016
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Date posted on this site: 11/02/2023
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