Jerry Ray Drake

Jerry Ray Drake of Jennings, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2013, at the age of 76 years, two months and twenty one days. Jerry was born August 12, 1937, in Ivydale, West Virginia. He was the son of Frank Herbert and Audrey O. (Stockwell) Drake. As a young boy Jerry was raised in Clay County and graduated from Gassaway High School. Following graduation Jerry joined the United States Marine Corps. He was inducted into the service of his country on July 11, 1955 in Frametown, West Virginia. After four years of active service Sergeant Jerry Drake was honorably discharged on July 10, 1959, at Camp Lejeunne, North Carolina. During his time in the Marines Jerry was a member of the All-Marine Boxing Team. Jerry returned home and soon moved to Ohio where he enrolled in college. He completed three years of higher education and was very active in the Golden Gloves and even boxed Semi-Pro. Jerry also coached American Legion Baseball for several years during that time. During his time in college Jerry worked as a Test Engineer for Lear-Siegler from 1959 till 1961. Jerry then began working at Brown Fintube and in 1973, Jerry opened his own facility KDM Manufacturing. They made custom motor cycle parts as well as other manufacturing components. In 1976, Jerry moved to Oklahoma and was the Plant Superintendent for Thermatechnology. While at Thermatechnology Jerry was promoted to vice president and later CEO. In 1986, the facility closed and Jerry opened Drake Manufacturing. This time Jerryís company made air cooled heat exchangers which he operated until 1993. On March 19, 1986, Jerry was united in marriage to Sheila and the couple established their initial home in Cleveland. Jerry shut the operation down and took a two year leave to do what he wanted. He hunted and farmed for nearly two years then accepted employment with Whirlpool in 1995. In 2000, Jerry and Sheila purchased property between Cleveland and Hallett and built their current home where he has continued to reside. Jerry worked at Whirlpool until 2002, when he retired. Jerry loved to work. He especially enjoyed ranching and hay farming. Anything that had to be done outdoors Jerry took great pleasure in doing it. Jerry spent many hours hunting and fishing. He was very project oriented and there was nothing that he could not do or fix. He loved to sing and play guitar. Jerry loved being around people and was always playing a practical joke on someone. His family and grandbabies were his life. Always looking forward to seeing them and spending quality time with each and every one. Jerry was very devoted to his church and God who he loved immensely. Jerry was often quoted saying ìIf I die tomorrow I will stand in front of my Lord and say I have enjoyed every day of my life.î Survivors are his loving wife Sheila of the home, mother Audrey Drake of the home; four sons Michael Drake and his wife Darla of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Roger Drake and his wife Keri of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Mark Drake and his wife Lori of Tulsa, Oklahoma, James Drake and his wife Shanna of Jennings, Oklahoma; one daughter Crystal Daugherty and her husband Charles of Cleveland, Oklahoma; one brother Edward Drake and his wife Cynthia of Monaca, Pennsylvania; seventeen grandchildren, two great grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his father Frank Drake, two brothers Bob Drake, Dave Drake and one grandson James Matthew Drake, II. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, November 7, 2013 at First Baptist Church with Casey Muse, J.D. Hostutler and Jack Fountain officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.