COURTLAND
Petty Officer First Class Boatswain Mate Edward Earl Drake, 74, passed away his home in Courtland after a long bout with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at his passing. He was a transplant from Ohio, where he was born. He was a veteran of the Navy serving 20 years. During his service, he had a tour of duty in Vietnam for a year. He was the son of the late Earl Reed Drake and Emma Lou Drake-Rowland both of Ohio.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years Patricia, two daughters and two sons, Marina, Cody and John, all of Courtland, and Cynthia Meadows of Newport, North Carolina. Also three step-sons, David (Donna) of Ottawa, Canada, and Paul (Lorraine) and Richard Power of Virginia Beach. Also two sisters, June Webb of Ohio and Mona (Delmer) Covey of Arkansas. Also a sister-in-law, Dorothy Drake of Florida. He had ten grandchildren: Brandon Vaughan, Kristen and Lauren Brown of Courtland, Summer and Michael Meadows of Newport, North Carolina, Amber Power of Ottawa, Canada, Jennifer, Paul Jr., Robert and Danielle Powers of Virginia Beach and two great grandchildren, Cameron Guthrie and Caleb Power, as well as an assortment of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife of 17 years, Mariam Drake, both his parents, two sisters, Martha Campbell and Ellie Kay Chudy of Ohio and two brothers, Walter Reed and his wife Eve and Elmer William (Billy) of Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Courtland Fire Department in Edward Drake’s name. Family Choice Funerals of Virginia Beach is in charge of the arrangements.