Frederick C. Drake, 78, Corning, was born to Charles and Dosha Drake Dec. 3, 1918, southeast of Corning. He died of injuries received in a motor vehicle accident June 25, 1997, in Corning.
He served 39 months overseas with the151st Field Artillery Battalion. 34th "Red Bull" Division from 1941 to 1945. In 1946 he drove a creamery truck.
He was married to Elvera Duncan Dec. 18, 1946. They farmed north of Corning and in 1976 sold their farm and moved to an acreage in Carl. While semi-retired he worked for Feeders Grain and Supply in Corning and later worked for Crestland Co-op.
Mr. Drake's greatest pleasure were hunting and fishing. He raised a big garden and shared his harvest with many.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife; children Barbara (husband Larry) Wynn, Creston; Richard (wife Cindy) Drake, Kathryn (husband John) Hogan, Corning: Robert (wife Melody) Drake, Corning; daughter Lois (husband Jimmy) Patton. Diana, Texas; daughter Linda (husband Elaine) Oglesbee, Corning; son Freddie Drake. Corning; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister Kathryn (husband Charles) Wilson, Auburn. Calif.; sister Mary (husband Robert) Devore. Corning; brother Robert (wife Doris) Drake, Creston; and sister-in-law Marge (husband Wilbur) Schlange, Pacific Junction.
Services were held June 30 at Coen-Beaty Funeral Home in Corning with the Rev. John Keizer officiating. Burial was in the Carl Cemetery at Carl. Military rites were by Ourcq Post 117, Corning American Legion.
Casket bearers were Don Crill, Jim Barton. Tom Miller. Hubert Kissler, Dennis Johnson and Gail Johnson.
Honorary bearers were Brian Curtis, Harold Walter, Merl Jackson, Caroll Roblson, Harold Williams, Harold Warnock, Marlin Pearson, Richard Crouse and Marion Armstrong.
Adams County Free Press, July 3, 1997, page 2