Robert Clark Drake
Robert Clark Drake, 79, of Leetonia, died at 10:10 a.m. Wednesday at his home following an illness.
He was born June 9, 1937, in Slippery Rock a son of the late James and Helen (Stickel) Drake.
Before his retirement, Bob had been employed at Baird Brothers for 13 years and as a cattleman at Summitcrest Farms for 27 years.
He was a member of Lake Mount Church of Christ. Bob's love for the Lord and devotion to the church was known by many. If ever there was an opportunity, he would open his Bible, worn and well read from all the years it spent sitting by his side. He would share the good word with a conviction that no one could deny.
A servant of the Lord was a phrase that anyone who knew Bob would use to describe him. Those who knew him well would undoubtedly add devoted cattleman to that list.
From Illinois to Pennsylvania and finally Ohio, Bob experienced every joyful and trying moment of raising and working with the cattle entrusted to his care. During his lifetime, he assisted in the birth of more than 10,000 calves and passed his knowledge and passion for raising cattle down to his children and grandchildren.
He was no stranger to hard work. Whether it be working on the farm or lending a helping hand, Bob was there until the job was finished. Never once would he complain. He only expressed gratitude for the ability to fulfill his purpose here on earth and live a life that would make a positive impact on others.
Bob will be deeply missed. His family and friends know that someday they will meet him again in Heaven.
His loving wife of 58 years, Jane (Young) Drake, whom he married June 12, 1959, survives him; along with two sons, Todd (Darlynne) Drake of Salem and Rodney (Tina) Drake of Chandler, Ariz.; a daughter, Betsy Drake of Hanoverton; two sisters, Nancy French of Connoquenessing and Mary (Gary) Mayer of Ellwood City; four brothers, Ivan (Kathy) Drake of Slippery Rock, David (Sharyn) Drake of Butler, William (DeeDee) Drake of Slippery Rock, and Timothy (Beth) Drake of Slippery Rock; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death was a son, James L. Drake; five brothers, James E. Drake, George L. Drake, Samuel R. Drake, John W. Drake and Stephen C. Drake; and a sister, Carole Bobeck.
DRAKE — Visitation for Robert Clark Drake who died Wednesday, June 7, 2017, will be 2 to 6 p.m. Monday at Lake Mount Church of Christ before the funeral service.A funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at the church, with Evangelist Richard Chambers officiating.Burial will be at Woodsdale Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to Lake Mount Church of Christ, 6290 St. Rt. 7, New Waterford, OH 44445.Arrangements were handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home.This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent online at www.starkmemorial.com.
