Thomas Charles Drake, 89, of West Branch, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. He was born on Saturday, June 16, 1934, in Allendale, Michigan to Charles J. and Theodora R. (Crebassa) Drake. Tom, as he preferred to be called, was a kind, generous, and helpful person.
Tom is survived by his loving children: Michael (Sharon) Drake of Frankenmuth, Paul (Carmen) Drake of Saginaw, Donna (Mike) Veine of Au Gres, and Thomas Drake of St. Helen. He was also a proud grandfather to Melissa (David) Callahan, Ryan (Diana) Drake, Kyle (Bree) Drake, Sarah Drake, David Drake, Katlyn Drake, and Kelly Drake. Additionally, he leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Audrey, Kelsey, Conrad, Ezekiel, Elyza, Arden, Mason, and Emma. Tom is survived by his sisters, Mary Goddard of Stockbridge and Fran Kuntz of FL/ Johannesburg as well as sister-in-law Carolyn Drake of Dallas, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 55 years Marilyn in 2011, brother William Drake, sister Jane Madden, and loyal dog Sam.
After graduating from Davison High School in the Class of 1953, Tom pursued a career in the electrical trade. He spent 25 years at I.T.I. Inc. and also ran a successful meat cutting side business for over 20 years. During the winter months, Tom and Marilyn enjoyed spending time North Port, Florida, and after her passing he lived their full time from 2011 to 2018.
Tom enjoyed worshipped weekly at the Catholic Mass that were held at the Brook where he lived since his return to Michigan in 2018.
In his free time, Tom had a variety of hobbies. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family, flying radio-controlled model airplanes, fishing, going on pontoon boat rides, and hunting.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. Father Emmanuel Finbarr will officiate the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Association of the Deaf in memory of Tom.
The arrangements have been entrusted to Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home.
Please join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Tom Drake.
