DRAKE MICHAEL L

LTC Michael L. Drake was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 07/29/2016 at the age of 70.0
Cicero, IN
Flight Classes 68-16 and 68-26
Date of Birth 07/27/1946
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with HHC 214 CAB in 69-70
This information was provided by Glenda Drake (wife)

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: 08/31/2024


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