Kerry Keith Drake
Kerry Keith Drake, 75 of Kempton died on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born in Kokomo on December 24, 1945 to Ralph & Dena Ruth (Halley) Drake. On April 18, 1992 he married Linda York and she survives. The couple enjoyed 28 years of marriage together watching their family grow.
He was a retired full-time member of the Indiana National Guard and had served proudly in the United States Marine Corps. Kerry was a 1963 graduate of Prairie High School. He attended church at several local churches including, Abundant Church in Kokomo, First Assembly of God in Tipton, and Cornerstone Church in Kokomo. Kerry enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching and cheering them on during their sporting events. He was their biggest fan.
In his spare time he loved fishing and took many Canadian fishing trips over the years. Kerry enjoyed spending time with his extended family. In his younger years he played several sports and later in life he played mainly golf. Although he had step-children and step-grandchildren, he treated them as his own.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; son Corey Drake and wife Stephanie of Kokomo; step-children, Shawn Young and wife Kim of Florida, Tracy Edwards and husband Richard of Indianapolis; a brother, Ralph Lee Drake and wife Janet of Greenwood; two sisters, Ruth Ellen Russell and husband Bob of Elgin, Illinois and Becky Martin of Frankfort.
He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Blake Oakley, Kayla Young, Zoe Young, Graci Young, Marty J. Edwards and wife Stacy, Lexi Geiger and husband Nathan, Lakye Deeter and husband Darrick; six great-grandchildren, Rayleigh Bo Geiger, Drake Geiger, Lucille Geiger, Maddie Edwards, Walton Deeter, and Abbott Deeter. Kerry was preceded in death by one brother, Philip Drake.
With concern about the current pandemic, Kerry’s family has decided not to have any funeral service but instead will be planning a Celebration of Life later this year. Young-Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions in Kerry’s honor may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675 or the Humane Society of Tipton County, 403 Oak Street, Tipton, Indiana 46072.
Send our condolences and prayers to the family
Corey,
I always had a great time around your dad! It was great fun playing basketball with him. Our condolences to you & all your family on your great loss.
Kerry was one of my best friends and served together in the Guard for many years. I am going to miss him terribly.
My thoughts to Linda, Corey and all who loved him as I did.
Sorry For your loss Drake family.Kerry was a good Guy.. He will be missed.
I just heard of Kerry Drake’s passing from mutual fellow Marine Danny Parris. Please know, Linda and family, that “K.K”, as he was called, was friendly, skilled and sharp and a pleasure to be around during our approximately two years together aboard an aircraft carrier deployed to Vietnam, the USS Bon Homme Richard.
Kerry was an exemplary Marine and human being in every way. I’ll miss him, too.
With Sincere Sympathies,
John (and Jean) Hyde
Culver City, California
I was a full-time employee at the Crawfordsville armory during Kerry’s time in the Guard and very much enjoyed our relationship. He was dedicated and took pride in his job while always maintaining an upbeat and positive attitude. I remember several of our softball games during Annual Training and the Kempton unit always fielded the team to beat. He will always be in my memories of my service in the Guard. My best to his family.
Corey – So sorry for your loss. Kerry was such a nice man and I always enjoyed the chances we got to talk. He willed be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers!
I truly enjoyed serving with Kerry in B Battery, 3-139 FA at Kempton. He always had good advice for me and was fun to work with.