Dale L Drake

Born March 22, 1929 in Pekin to Wilbert and Bernice (Cowser) Drake, he married Dorothy I. Meints on November 14, 1948 in Pekin.  She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Leslie (Carl) Hauk of Tremont; one son, James (Julie) Drake of Bloomington; three grandchildren, Jarrod (Jacey Goetz) Cranwill of Pekin, Nolan Drake and Sagan Drake, both of Brimfield; and one great-grandson, Conner Cranwill.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Betty L. Drake.

He served in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1955.  He had served aboard the USS Bennington.

Dale worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 37 years, retiring in 1985 as a parts supervisor at the Morton plant.

A life-long Chicago Cubs fan, Dale enjoyed decoy carving and trapshooting.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman for many years.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin.

His graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Green Valley Cemetery in Green Valley.  The Rev. Dr. Rodger P. Abatie will officiate.  There will be no visitation.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 700 South 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.