Representative Oliver Owen Drake

Oliver Owen Drake, age 75, of Leeds, Alabama passed away on Monday, June 27, 2011. While attending Leeds High School, Mr. Drake received the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Leeds High School in 1955. Mr. Drake served our country for 36 years; 3 years in the United States Air Force and 33 years in the Air National Guard, upon which he retired from service as Chief Master Sergeant. Mr. Drake worked as an inspector for the Jefferson County Health Department, and was the communications director for the Jefferson County Commission. He worked as an officer in the Fairfield Police Department, serving a term as President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 15. A passionate football fan, Mr. Drake worked as a high school football official for 29 years and served as President of the Birmingham Football Official’s Association.

He has served the community of Leeds for many years. He served on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce; President of Leeds Historical Society; and since November, 2006, as a legislator and Alabama State Representative for district 45 (East Jefferson County and Southwest Saint Clair County).

Mr. Drake was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Drake and his sister Brenda Lee of Leeds, AL. He is survived by his wife, Kathye Drake, daughter, Donna Epperson and her husband Mark of Lakeland, FL; Son, Steve Drake and his wife Melissa of Gainesville, GA; son, Jeff Murphree of Leeds, AL; son John Murphree of Birmingham, AL: daughter, Jennifer Tittle ; sister, Jeanette Champion and her husband Charles of Pell City, AL ; brother, Dickie Drake and his wife Anita of Leeds, AL ; grandchildren, Taryn Epperson, Noah Drake, Cooper Drake, John Drake, Tyler Epperson, Andrew Murphree, and Katherine Murphree.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 29, 2011 from 6 PM until 9 PM at First Baptist Church, Leeds. The funeral service will be Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 11 AM in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church, Leeds, 7481 Parkway Drive 35094. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Leeds.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, Leeds.

Arrangements under the direction of Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds, AL.