John Clyde Drake

John was born in Toledo, OH and attended the University of Toledo, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating, he joined the United States Army as a Field Artillery officer stationed at Fort Sill, OK. He spent much of his professional career packaging natural gas compressors. He was a brilliant engineer and mentor to many young engineers entering the industry. John loved everything outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He loved to collect firearms, even building several muzzleloaders himself. John always loved to build things. He built an entire castle that has been at West Memorial Elementary for many years. John was a coach for every sport his son tried and a volunteer in the band, church, and many other organizations. He loved Hydrox cookies and M&Ms.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy, and his father, Melvin. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharon, his son, David, his daughter-in-law Mandy, his granddaughter Maddy whom he adored, and his sister Jean Winebrenner. He will also be missed by many of his coworkers in the gas compression industry.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of John Clyde Drake will be held at Katy Funeral Home on Saturday, May 9th at 11 am. The service will be livestreamed on Katy Funeral Home's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/KatyFuneralHome/).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of John Drake.