Philip E. Drake

Philip E. Drake, 87, of Kokomo passed away at 6:29 PM Tuesday July 31, 2018 at his residence. Born May 7, 1931 in Tipton County he was the son of the late Ralph Drake and Dena (Halley) Drake. He was a veteran serving in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a piano tuner technician and a professional jazz musician all of his life. His passion was music. He served as president of the musicians union of Kokomo for 8 years. Phil was a well known musician and band leader around Kokomo most of his life. He played with some of the jazz greats such as Joe Venuti, Barrett Deems, Lionel Hampton, Clyde McCoy, and Woody Paul of Riders in the Sky. He also had a very creative mind for building wheels, domes, and other geometrical structures. In his life he built two of his own homes. He loved life, loved playing pool with his youngest daughter, was very social, and never knew a stranger. Survivors include one son Kim (Nancy) Drake of Kempton; two daughters Melody DiPrima and Melissa Dye, both of Kokomo; two brothers Ralph Lee (Janet) Drake of Greenwood and Kerry (Linda) Drake of Kempton; two sisters Ruth Ellen (Bob) Russell of Elgin, Illinois and Becky Martin of Frankfort.There are also grandchildren Summer Bailey, Aubrey Drake, Autasha Stroud, Jada Brown, Jasmin Whitmer, and Mia D' Aquisto; great grandchildren Boston Bailey, Briley Bailey, Callie Richardson, Tamiah Jackson, Lucas Drake, Gavin Sample, and Breanna Drake. He was also survived by his friend and companion Diane Coffey. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday August 6, 2018 at Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo. Pastor Kim E. Drake will officiate. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday at the mortuary. Memorials may be directed to the family. Envelopes will be available at the mortuary.