Robert F. "Drakie" Drake

Robert F. “Drakie” Drake

April 24, 1938     February 10, 2019

          Robert F. “Drakie” Drake, 80, Fredericksburg, rural Martinsburg, passed away Sunday morning, February 10, 2019, at his home.

          He was born in Roaring Spring, son of the late Malcolm F. and Marie L. (Cogan) Drake.  On August 30, 1964, he married Donna Mae Hoover at the Smithfield Church of the Brethren, rural Martinsburg, and she preceded him in death on May 25, 2012.

          Surviving are a daughter, Joy Elaine Drake of Fredericksburg; two grandsons: Joshua William and Lucas-Jon Gilbert; two sisters: Betty Mae Harclerode of Woodbury and Bonnie Irene Clark of rural Everett; and a brother, Edward Paul Drake of rural Martinsburg.      

          He was preceded in death by a daughter, Lori Renee Gilbert, who passed away on October 9, 2008; three brothers: Donald Eugene, Benjamin Lee and Ronald Dale; and a sister, Martha Jean Harclerode.

          Bob was a 1958 graduate of Morrison Cove High School, Martinsburg, where he was a member of 4H and the FFA, receiving the Keystone Farmer Degree.

          Farming was his life and he loved having dirt under his feet at all times. As a young man his family’s farm was located in Curryville. When his family left that farm, he helped drive the livestock to their new farm located in Fredericksburg.  He farmed for years behind a team of horses before his family was able to purchase their first tractor and Bob truly enjoyed reminiscing about those days.  He was employed at Cove Dehydrating Plant and then at the Martinsburg Milling Company, while also milking at various farms throughout the cove. After leaving the mill, he continued milking and began doing custom farming, which he did for many years. Bob also served for a period of time as the caregiver for the Fredericksburg Water Association.

          Bob was a member of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren and previously attended Smithfield Church of the Brethren, both of rural Martinsburg.

          He loved spending time with his family and also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching Walker Texas Ranger and western shows; "The Duke", John Wayne, was his favorite.

          Friends will be received from 5-8 pm, Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg, and from 1 until the 2 pm funeral service, Thursday, February 14, 2019, at the Bice Memorial Chapel at Homewood, Rev. Jerry McCuller Jr. and Pastor James W. Snyder officiating. Private interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg.

          Memorial contributions in memory of Bob can be given to the Central Cove FFA, c/o Central High School, 718 Central High Rd., Martinsburg, PA 16662.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert F. "Drakie" Drake, please visit our floral store.