John Earl Drake
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Mass of Christian Burial for John Earl Drake, 79, Lawrence will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2015 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Inurnment will be at a later date at Plainville Catholic Cemetery in Plainville, KS. He passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Medicalodges Eudora.
He was born May 17, 1935 in Attica, KS the son of Jack and Lola (Harnden) Drake.
John served his country in the United States Army and attended the University of Kansas where he received his Bachelor of Science in Personnel. While he was at KU he played football from 1954 – 1958.
John was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Alvamar Country Club where he served on the Alvamar Board of Directors. He was a former member of the Lawrence, Topeka and Hays Chamber of Commerce. John Also belonged to the Toastmasters Club, Rotary Club and the Smoky Hill Country Club where he served on the Board of Directors.
John was an avid golfer and racquet ball player. He loved all sports especially football and basketball. He was a very kind and caring husband and was devoted to his family. He shied away from any kind of attention to himself and was always concerned about everyone else.
He worked for Southwestern Bell until he retired in 1991. He held several executive positions and the one he loved was Director of Independent Company Relations for the State of Kansas. After retirement he purchased the Countryside Golf Course in Pittsburg, Kansas and managed it until 2000 when he sold it and went into full retirement.
He married LaVivian Meyers Roth May 17, 1982. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include two sons Brian Drake, Oxford, NY, Ron Drake, Topeka, KS; a daughter, Glenna Drake, Topeka, KS, grandson Derek Dultmeier and Jessica, Topeka, KS, stepson Doug Roth and Keila, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Step granddaughter Alana Roth, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, sister, Mary Bauman and Dean, Newport, OR, former daughter-in-law, Sandra Dultmeier and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Gary Drake, sister, Judy Drake and a stepdaughter, Michelle Roth.
A parish rosary will be said at 3 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2015 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church and a visitation will follow until 5 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Corpus Christi Catholic School, or Family Promise and may be sent in care of the mortuary.line condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.
Lavivian and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family will be remembered in our thoughts and prayers.
LaVivian and Family, We are so sorry for you loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Dear LaVivian and Family: So sorry to hear of loss. Our thought and prayers are with you at this time. He will always be remembered.
Dear Vivian and family,
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are blessed to have gotten to know John and witness the love and loyalty you had for each other. God bless you!!
No heart breaks alone for God is always near. When a prayer is whispered God is always there to hear. When sorrow’s overwhelming, He comforts tenderly. A single tear never falls that he does not hear.(Psalms 65:2) Sorry for your loss.
LaVivian, I am so sorry for the loss of John. Your heart must be very heavy right now. I know your faith will strengthen you in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
LaVivian and family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. John had a true impact on my life and career. I will never forgot the doors he opened and the guidance he provided. He will always be held in the highest esteem.