Kenneth Raleigh Drake

59, passed away September 6, 2013 in Tucson, Arizona. Ken was born October 2, 1953 in LaFayette, Indiana to Marian Bonesteel Drake Walters and Raleigh M. Drake Jr. Graduated from Manneheim High School in 1973. Served in the U.S. Army from November 1970 to October 1973 where he was a Wheel and Track Vehicle Mechanic. He received the National Defense Service Medal. Ken owned and operated Ken Drake Racing Engines. Some of his other places of employment was MAGMA Mines, CASE and from 1986 to 2009 he was employed at EMPIRE Machinery. Ken started as a Technician in the Main Shop and moved into Field Service. In Field Service, part of his duties were managing a large fleet of equipment on-site during the early days of the development at Saddle Brooke. He worked on all CATERPILLAR Equipment from the smallest, up to the large 789 – 793 Mining Trucks and 994 Large Wheel Loader. Ken was involved in all aspects of the equipment repairs, from minor repairs to major machine rebuilds. Ken held several positions during his time at Empire, General Technician, Senior Technician, Field Service Technician and for a brief time Ken was the Leadman for the Main Shop. Ken’s was member of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). He had a passion for things that went fast! Ken is survived by his mother, Marian Walters & step-father Ron; his father, Raleigh M. Drake Jr (Yuvone); his sister, Christine Woolridge (Lauren); his niece, Melissa Woolridge (her boys Logan and Raiden) and two step sisters; Rhoda Johnson and Pam Clark and one step brother, Tom Walters and many other loved ones. Preceded in death by his sister, Deborah Ann Drake. Ken had a very witty personality, great sense of humor, a warm and caring heart. Ken is greatly missed by his family and his friends. A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at East lawn Palms Mortuary. Drag Racer’s Prayer: As I lay rubber down the street I pray for traction I can keep, but if I spin and begin to slide, please dear God protect my ride. AMEN