Robert C. Drake, 92, of Bowling Green, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 16, 1925 in North Baltimore to Harley and Mary (Whitacre) Drake. He married Norma Price on March 3, 1947 and she survives.
Mr. Drake served his country during two wars and in three branches of the military. He was in the Navy during World War II, the Army during the Korean War and retired as Senior Master Sergeant E-8 from the Air Force after serving with Ohio Air National Guard’s 180thFighter Group in Toledo. He left high school to join the Navy serving 3 years part of which was as a assult landing craft member for the invasion of New Guinea and Palsluaia. He received the Bronze star with a V for Valor during the Korean War. Following his Korean War service he was on the Bowling Green Police Force and after he retired from the Air Force he was Police Chief for the Village of Portage for twenty years. He coached Pee Wee league baseball in both Bowling Green and Rudolph and was one of the founding Bowling Green citizens of the Pee Wee League program, helping to build the first lighted fields in the city. Mr. Drake had a craft shop and enjoyed military model airplanes.
In addition to his wife, Norma left to mourn his passing are sons, Ron (Teri) McNutt of Carson City, NV., Don (Rita) McNutt of Port Clinton, Jerry (Diane) Drake of Bowling Green, Jeff (Kathy) Drake of Pataskala, OH., Charley (Su) Drake of Bowling Green; daughters, Sue (Robert) Kepling of Bowling Green and Kelly (Steve) Dickinson of Kenton; grandchildren, R.C. McNutt, Jeff (Barb) McNutt, JoAnn (Brian) Steinmetz, James McNutt, Steve (Kerry) Drake, Chris (Betsy) Drake, Kim (Adam) Smith/Drake, Mary (Charlie) Wightman, Brett Drake, Christina Drake, Mike (Megan) Loera, Kathy Dibling, Tim Dibling, Martha Drake, Emily Drake, Ben Drake, Sara (Derek) Eblen, and Katie Nicole. There are also sixteen great-grandchildren and a sister, Nancy Roberts. One brother, Wilbur preceded him in death.
Friends may call on Tuesday, June 13th from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Dunn Funeral Home located in Bowling Green’s Historical District at 408 W. Wooster St. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 4:00 p.m. followed by Military Services conducted by the Wood County Honor Detail.
The family request memorial contributions to Bridge Hospice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
