David Drake
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David passed away, at the age of 89, on November 1, 2021.
David John Drake was born on September 25, 1932, in Oakland, California to Don "Dobbie" and Ellen Fitzgerald Drake. He moved to Michigan shortly after and spent his childhood in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and Battle Creek. He had three older siblings - Jack, Don, Martha Jane - and a younger brother Dick Drake. David graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1951. Sports were an integral part of David's family life - his father, Dobbie Drake, coached both his football and swim teams in high school. David enrolled at the University of Michigan for a first semester, before he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was based in San Diego and served in the Korean War on the USS Princeton Aircraft Carrier Ship from 1951-1956.
Following his Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Navy, he returned to Ann Arbor and began school at Eastern Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in January 1961. During his time at Eastern Michigan, he met the love of his life Marilyn Kerr Allison in January of 1960. They were married on September 9, 1961 and started their family in St. Clair Shores. In addition to St. Clair Shores, Dave and Marilyn made homes in Lathrup Village, MI and Ann Arbor, MI.
David is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marilyn Allison Drake; his children, Bob (Molly), Lisa Drake Kruzel (Michael Labadie) and Bill (Diane); his grandchildren, Kelsey Kruzel, Collin Kruzel, Carly Kruzel, Madison, Kendra Kruzel, Brad, Allison and Grant; his nieces and nephews, Charlene (Gary) Swank, Dee (Madeline), Kay, Dobber and Scott; his brother-in-law, Jim (Phyllene) Allison; and many other family members.
A memorial gathering will take place at Nie Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Liberty Road Chapel, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 4-8pm. A memorial service will be held at the same location on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 11am with a gathering beforehand at 10am.
Memorial contributions may be made in David's honor to the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation, Inc. by mail to 100 N. Staebler Rd., Suite C, Ann Arbor MI 48103.
Please visit www.niefuneralhomes.com for more information and to share a tribute.