Donald Drake

Donald A. Drake Lansing Age 82, passed away March 17, 2010 surrounded by his loving family following a head injury. Don was born May 1, 1927 in Lansing to Vernon & Lena Drake. He graduated from St. Mary High School in 1946. He began working for Oldsmobile by entering the apprentice program, completing it in 1951. He worked as a supervisor at Olds until retirement in 1985. He was a master craftsman, never letting a minute go by without fixing, rebuilding, or making improvements on any of his seven children?s homes. He was known by friends and neighbors as ?Mr. Fix-It?. He was always keeping current with the politics and economy of the time, never missing an opportunity to crack a joke, seeing the humor in any situation. A devout follower of Jesus Christ, Don was a Eucharistic minister, Mass server, and charter member of St. Gerard Church in Lansing. Don was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Alvin. He leaves behind to cherish and celebrate his life, his loving wife of 63 years, Betty; seven children, Jean Anne (Ray) Pettus, James (Cherie) Drake, Nancy (William) Peck, Robert (Tyann) Drake, Gary (Pamela) Drake, Carol (Ron) Camilleri, and Alan (Angela) Drake; and numerous loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2-4 P.M. Sunday, and 2-4, 6-8 P.M. Monday with 7:00 P.M. Monday Vigil Service in the Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw, Lansing. Funeral Liturgy will be 10:30 A. M. Tuesday, March 23, at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow, Lansing with Fr. John P. Klein presiding. Viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at the church. Rite of committal St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. Contributions may be made to St. Gerard Church?s Organ Fund, American Diabetes Assoc. or the Salvation Army. Friends may visit the guest book at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com.