Ted Drake

DRAKE, Robert “Ted” passed away peacefully on November 26, 2012 at the age of 94. He and his wife of 32 years, Leona Drake, resided in Sun City West, Arizona. Formerly from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, they made Sun City West their permanent home in 1999.

Ted was born on October 2, 1918 in Oak Park, Illinois to Earl and Glenna Drake. He was the youngest of five boys. The family later moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Ted attended Columbus East High School and then the Ohio State University where he graduated with honors in Mechanical Engineering. Subsequently he obtained Professional Engineer status.

As a major in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers he commanded a battalion that maintained and repaired airfields used for Eighth Air Force Operations in England during World War II.

In 1940, Ted married Myrta Johnston (1916-1977). Over the years, they lived in Evansville, Indiana; Columbus, Ohio; Parma, Ohio; Norwalk, Ohio; Orchard Lake, Michigan; and Milan, Ohio. Ted was a loving husband to Myrta and a loving, supportive father to their five children.

Ted found employment in a variety of engineering jobs. He became involved with the automotive industry and was elected President of the RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association). Ted ended his working career as Vice President of Marketing in 1980, staying on as a consultant for two more years.

Ted began a hobby of amateur radio at the age of 14, and it remained his passion until his death. He was licensed in 1933 and received top honors and a Lifetime Achievement Award by talking with 392 countries, or Entities, around the world. In younger years, he loved to hunt and fish with his sons and brothers. In retirement years, Ted continued to enjoy his radio and extensive traveling. He and Lee visited all of the continents except Antarctica.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Paul Drake (Columbus), Bill Drake (Cleveland), James Drake (Columbus) and Al Drake (Coshocton). His wife, Myrta Johnston Drake also preceded him in death in 1977.

Ted is survived by his wife, Leona; his five children: David (Nancy) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Alan (Puttara) of Berkley, Michigan; Dennis (Janet) of Orinda, California; Holly (Bob) of Dayton, Ohio; Brian (Julie) of Milford, Michigan; and step-daughter Linda Cagle of Tucson, Arizona. He is survived also by 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be conducted by Pastor David Smith at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, Columbus, Ohio, 1740 Zollinger Rd. Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with an hour prior visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.