Drake was born at home in Dallas on April 29, 1929. He grew up in Kessler Park, attending Rosemont Elementary, Greiner Junior High, and Sunset High School, graduating in 1947. He was active in drama and debate. He continued his education at SMU, where he was in the Mustang Men choir and Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He graduated with a B.S. in Accounting in 1951. After college, he worked as an accountant at the Atlantic Refining Co. until he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952. He served as a First Lieutenant and a Statistical Senior Officer at the Connally Air Force Base in Waco. While enlisted, he attended Baylor University and received a Masters in Economics.
After returning to Dallas, he returned to work as an accountant and attended SMU law school in the evenings. He received his law degree in 1958, after which he worked with Robert Dedman to form Brookhaven Country Club, later ClubCorp. Several years later, he entered private practice, beginning his legal career in criminal defense.
Several years later, he met his future wife, Marlene, at First Baptist Church in Dallas. They married in 1962 and later adopted their two children, Brian and Ann Marie. Drake was very involved in the community in the form of church and social activities. He was an active member of First Baptist Dallas for almost 60 years and served as a Deacon for 50 years. He worked in the "Young Married" department for 25 years, later joining the President's Class, where he leaves many dear friends behind. Drake also served on the Board of Directors for First Baptist Academy and YMCA Camp Grady Spruce, where his passion was fundraising. He was very active in the East Dallas Rotary Club, the Dallas Bar Association, and he was President of the Dallas Exchange Club. He was a Mason and a Schriner. He served as President of the Dallas Knife & Fork Club, where he was a member for 45 years. He was also active in the Dallas Ballroom Dance community and served as President of the Kermis Dance Club. He belonged to the Trippers, Argyle, and Dallas Dinner Dance Clubs. In his retirement years, he loved being a "social director" for his various groups of friends, organizing weekly lunches for his Buddies Group and other activities.
Drake is fondly remembered by his friends and family for his gregarious nature. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marlene Stephens Patterson, his children, Brian Patterson (Stephanie) and Ann Marie Patterson. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Drake was preceded in death by his parents, W. Horace Patterson and Cecil January Patterson, his brother, W. Horace Patterson, Jr., and sister-in-law, Floy Patterson.
A Memorial Service will be held in his honor at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 16, in Truett Chapel at First Baptist Dallas. There will be a reception following in the Atrium. Burial is at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
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