Thomas Arthur (Mick) Drake, 89, of Morgantown, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2018, at his home. Tom was born in Morgantown, on August 5, 1929, a son of the late William Joseph and Edna Mae Drake.
Tom was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and neighbor, who loved his family more than anything in the world. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Tom is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy E. (Bennett) Drake; his daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Dickie Tampoya, Cindy and Tim Hawthorne; his grandsons and their wives, Justin and Wendy Smith, Ben and Bronlyn Smith; his great-granddaughters, who he affectionately referred to as his “Little Princesses”, Rylea, Emma and Maggie, all of Morgantown; his sister, Iris Jones; his sisters-in-law, Patricia (Trese) Vincent, Gracie Drake, Helen Smith, Elettra Morgan, Evelina Ashcraft, Ethel Bennett and Barbara Bennett; his brother-in-law, Lindy and wife Judy Bennett; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brothers, William ‘Billy’ Drake, Jr., John Drake, Clayton ‘Paul’ Drake, Gale ‘Dude’ Drake, and Roy ‘Dick’ Drake.
Tom was a 1948 graduate of University High School. He worked at many Thorofare Markets grocery store, starting as a stock boy and working his way up to District Manager during his long career with the chain.
He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps stationed at Parris Island, Camp Pendleton, Cherry Point, and in Korea during the Korean War as part of the 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines Regiment, 1st Marines Division, raising to the rank of Sergeant by the time he was he was honorably discharged. Tom was also a member of the National Marine Corps League, Earl Anderson Local #342; an one point serving as Commandant.
In his spare time, his hobbies included, camping and boating at Cheat Lake, feeding the birds, playing cards, dancing, and traveling. He was always first to lend a hand, helping anyone and everyone who had a project to do. He was truly a jack of all trades who could fix anything.
The family would like to thank his neighbors, Wayne and Bonnie Jordan, and George and Mavis Grant Lilly, for their constant friendship, help and support. They would also like to thank Dr. William Mitchell, Dr. Inderjit Mehmi, nurse Larriann Wyda, and the staff of Amedisys Hospice for their care and support.
Family and friends may gather at Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26, and from 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, until the time of funeral services at 11 a.m. with Pastor Kevin Cain officiating. Burial will follow at Olive Cemetery with full military honors.
Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to The Shack Neighborhood House P.O. Box 600 Pursglove, WV 26546.
Condolences: fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
