Milton W. Drake Jr.

Milton W. Drake Jr., 91, of Toms River, NJ passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Complete Care at Green Acres, Toms River. Born in Johnson, Florida, Milton had lived in Pompton Plains, New Jersey before moving to Toms River 28 years ago. Milton worked for ShopRite as manager in the Deli Department before retiring in 1994. He proudly served his country 9 years in the US Army during the Korean War in the NIKE Missiles Unit and served overseas in Okinawa, Japan. He also served 29 years in the Army National Guard in the Engineer Battalion when he left as a decorated First Sergeant.

Milton enjoyed fishing, bowling, shuffleboard as well as bocce and bingo. He was an avid baker of apple pies and cookies.

Milton is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Joan (Paulison) and his two daughters, Becky Arthur, Karen (Rick) Edwards; grandchildren Ricky and Renee Edwards, Jennifer DiNunno; and a great-grandson Luca Edwards; and brother Alton Drake of Indiana.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 2-6 pm at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule RD., Toms River, NJ. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, 11:00 am at the funeral home followed by interment at the Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ.