John Francis Drake

On November 9, 2019, John F. Drake of Glen Burnie, MD., joined his brother and parents in Heaven.

John was born on April 24, 1930 in Elmira, New York, to A. Bernard Drake and Catherine P. Rouse. John was preceded in death by his brother Joseph L. Drake.

John served in the U.S. Army, and served as a border guard in Germany during the Korean War, for his service he received an Army of Occupation Medal and an award for exceptional, meritorious and distinguished service. John earned the rank of Private first class. He was also a cook in the Army Reserves.

Before John joined the Army, he worked as a dishwasher in Elmira, NY, then after his service, he worked as a bell hop, and maintenance man in hotels in New Hampshire and New York State. He moved to Washington DC to live with his brother. While living in DC, he worked for Zales Department store in Silver Spring, and the Munsey building, where he worked as a freight elevator operator. He later worked from 1986 to 1991 as an elevator operator and maintenance man for the National Council of Senior Citizens and received a 5 year certificate of appreciation, after John retired, knowing you can’t keep a good man down, he became the maintenance man at the Council House Apartments. John was last employed by the Bowie Baysox from 2001 to 2006 as an usher.

John was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Michael McGivney Council # 7025 in Glen Burnie, where he was awarded as Knight of the Month for May 2013 and February 2017, he was also awarded a certificate of appreciation for his participation in “My Friend, Would you give me a Ride” Program. He was also a member of Sacred Heart Council # 2577 in Bowie, MD., where he served as an outside guard. He was a member of the St. John Newmann Assembly #1763 in Bowie, MD. He was awarded the Sir Knight of the Month for October 2006 and served in the Color Corps.

John was a parishioner for the Christ of the King Church (formally Holy Trinity) in Glen Burnie, MD., while living in Crofton he was a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Parish.

John enjoyed the painting class offered by Anne Arundel County, where he completed many works of art, his pride and joy was a painting of his sister in law. He also enjoyed Wii Bowling, working on latch hook rugs, bowling, baseball, his favorite teams being the Bowie Baysox, Orioles and the Nationals.

John’s cheery personality won him many friends where ever he went or worked.

He is survived by his sister in law, Barbara E. Drake of Glen Burnie, MD., his cousin Joan Yale of Johnson City, NY.

A Graveside service and inurnment will be held at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 W. Central Ave Davidsonville, MD., on Friday November 22, 2019 at 11 AM