Gerald Wayne Drake of Mt. Vernon, IL, passed away after a short battle with cancer on May 06, 2026, at his home in Mt. Vernon, IL, surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Drake was born in Charleston, IL, on February 24, 1935, to John A. and Mayme I. (McGahan) Drake. At an early age, Gerald became a Christian and was baptized in Charleston.
He served in the United States Army from June 1954 to June 1957. He married Ina Rae Nees on February 12, 1957. They were blessed with 69 years of marriage. They had two sons: Michael Wayne Drake of St. Louis, and Dr. Bradley Ray Drake (Tammy), who survives in Mt. Vernon. Also surviving are granddaughters, Gennifer Lynn Tisdale (Bryan) of Mt. Vernon and Dakota Paige Drake of Phoenix, AZ, as well as great-grandsons, Gabe Tisdale and Colin Tisdale.
Preceding Mr. Drake in death were his parents, his son, Michael, two brothers, Dale Drake and Bill Drake, who was killed in World War II in the Battle of the Bulge. Three sisters, Martha Vanlanot, Edna Lee, and Mary Cooper, also preceded him in death.
Mr. Drake worked for A&B Transfer in Mattoon, IL, before moving to Fairfield, IL, to work at Airtex Automotive Products, where he served as the Traffic Manager in charge of shipping and the Manager of Factory Branches for 28 years. He was a charter member and president of Delta Nu Alpha (a transportation fraternity) as well as a member of other transportation organizations.
While living in Fairfield, he was active as a Cub Scout leader and in the Wayne County Association for Retarded Children, serving as president for a term.
Mr. Drake was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, IL, and enjoyed working with Angels on Assignment. He has been a member of the Elks Club since 1969. He was skilled at wood carving, painting, and landscaping. He also loved working on jigsaw puzzles as long as they had 500 or fewer pieces. Reading was a passion as well. He especially cherished time with family and friends.
Funeral services will be on Monday, May 11, 2026. Visitation will be at 9:30 with the service beginning at 10:30 at the First United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Charleston, Illinois.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
