Lawrence Drake

Lawrence Edmond Drake, 79, passed away Thursday, October 27, 2011 surrounded by his family at his Lake Cabin in Webster, WI. He is preceded in death by his mother Agnes Coopet-Drake, father Charles Drake and brother Jim Drake. He is survived by his brother Charles “Sonny” Drake of Prescott, AZ; Dorothy Drake and their children: Susan Stene of Wyoming MN; Deborah Columbu and husband Franco of Los Angeles, CA; Jacqueline Drake of Lake Elmo, MN; Michael Drake and wife Laurie of Destin, FL; COL Mark Drake and wife Korynn of Fort Bragg, NC; Barbara Lindgren of Oakdale, MN; Charles Drake and wife Chris of West Lakeland, MN; Grandchildren - Eric Stene, Steven Stene, Kevin Stene, Melissa Stene, Maria Columbu, Matthew Drake, David Drake, Lauren Drake, Claire Drake, Jenni Drake, Courtney Drake, Chad Drake, Ryan Lindgren, Samantha Lindgren, Trevor Lindgren, Hannah Drake, Heather Drake, Hailey Drake; Great grandchildren - Gavin Stene, Emmy Drake, Collin Stene, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry was a graduate of Johnson High School Class of 1950. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War as a Refrigeration-Mechanic Specialist. After his time in service he worked many years as a Sheet Metal Journeyman, belonging to Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 Union. He specialized in commercial stainless steel fabrication and installation. Through his pursuit for perfection he rose to the top of his profession, enabling him to travel the world applying his trade. Larry was a man of multiple talents and his hands have touched the lives of many. Though his work is done, his creations will continue to grace us with his presence and remind us what a special man he was for years to come. Among Larry’s many talents he was also an accomplished private pilot achieving his instrument and float plane ratings. Always one to plan and build, he engineered and hand crafted several projects; from home and lake cabin additions, to improvements to all of his children’s homes, all along the way teaching and imparting his knowledge of design and workmanship. Constantly thinking of ways to improve things at work and around the cabin up until the day he was called home. Memorial Mass will be held at St. Casimir’s Church, 934 Geranium Ave East, St. Paul on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 10:00am with a luncheon to follow at the church. Internment will be at 1:45pm at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Assembly Area 4. A gathering will follow at the Fort Snelling Officer’s Club, 395 HWY 5, Post Road, St. Paul. Memorials are preferred to The Larry Drake Family at 11740 Little Bluestem North, Lake Elmo, 55042.