LTC MICHAEL L. DRAKE to TAPs

Lt. Col (Retired) Michael L. Drake, 70, passed away Friday, July 29, 2016, unexpectedly at his home in Cicero, IN. He was born July 27, 1946 to Parents, Keith G. Drake & Frankie Wilson Drake. He was a Graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Professional Aeronautics Degree. He later graduated from the Command and General Staff College. Michael served his country for 25 years in the Army. He served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. He later transferred to the Finance Corp. with the Army. He later served in other positions in many different locations. During Michael's tenure in service he earned many Decorations and Medals. Some of them included, the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, National Defense Service Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. After serving his country he retired in Cicero, IN and started Duckmark Farms, a local flower and produce business. Michael always enjoyed flowers, plants, working in the soil, and watching things grow. Michael was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, the Retired Military Officer Association, VFW, American Legion, Kiwanis, and Horticulture and Vegetable Growers Association. Hobbies included being a certified scuba diver, artist and loved fishing and rock hounding. He also worked the local Boy Scout Troops. He is preceded in death by his father, Keith G. Drake and sister, Priscilla D. Grinstead Survived by his wife of 44 years, Glenda Rushing Drake of Cicero, IN; Son: Dustin A. Drake (Emmalee) of Indianapolis, IN; Grandchildren: Otto and Emma Drake of Indianapolis, IN; Mother: Frankie W. Drake, Cicero, IN; Brothers: Douglas Drake (Charlene), Cicero, IN; Timothy Drake (Kathy), Indianapolis, IN; Sister: Denise Carey (Lucky), Westfield, IN; Brother in-laws: Edward Rushing, Winter Haven, FL, Geoff Rushing (Connie), Athens, GA, and Several nieces & nephews. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 pm, Wednesday at the Chapel of Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home. Burial will be in Glennville City Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home of Glennville is in charge of the arrangements. brannenkennedy.com