COLUMBUS – Dwight Cullen Drake, 91, Columbus, passed away on May 5, 2012 at his home.
Dwight was born on July 9, 1920 in Fostoria, OH the son of Earnest & Cora (Cullen) Drake. He graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1938 and later joined and served proudly in the United States Marine Corps. He was also employed as a Machinist at Techumseh Products Co in Tecumseh, MI.
On July 17, 1948 he married his loving wife, Lucille R. Drake, who survives him.
Dwight is also survived by his daughter; Suzanne King and her husband Richard Andrews of Columbus and sons; Steve Drake of Adrian, MI and Jonathon Drake and his wife Peggy of Owen, WI.
He is also survived by his four grandchildren: granddaughters Dwan Pettit (Pookie) of Oneonta, and Travis & Ashley Welch of New Berlin; as well as grandsons; Jonathan & Chastity Drake of Augusta WI, and Jason & Amanda Drake in the United States Army proudly serving in Afghanistan.
He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.
Dwight was very fond of all of his great-grandchildren. Some of his greatest joys were to laugh, read and play his harmonica (“mouth organ” as he called it), with his great grandsons, Isiah Pettit and Zack Welch. Enjoyed from afar, were great granddaughters Emily & Abigail Drake and great grandson, Braedin Drake. Unfortunately, his excitement to meet his 6th great grandchild was cut short.
All who knew Dwight will remember him as a proud Marine, a hard worker, a devoted and loving husband, father and papa. He was man whose handshake could bring Hercules to his knees. With those same strong hands, he would also gently tend his garden seedlings, paint beautiful oils, write very tender poetry filled with spirit and wonder, and twirl and dip his lady love to the big bands. He taught his grandchildren how to swim and ride bike, either holding them up or catching them from falling. He was a consummate prankster who loved a good laugh, enjoyed a great meal surrounded by his family and was a hopeless romantic – especially when it came to his love, his angel, his soul mate, his wife. His absence in our lives will be profoundly felt and we shall miss him the rest of our days. We take comfort in knowing though, through faith, we will see him again.
A private family service celebrating his life, will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are with the Dakin Funeral Home, LP of New Berlin.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.dakinfuneralhome.com.