SPARTA - Earle C. Drake, 93, of Sparta, died Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, at home.
Born in Plainfield, Mr. Drake lived in North Plainfield before moving to Sparta in 2003. He was a United States World War II Navy veteran. Mr. Drake was a retail sales manager for U.S. Gypsum Co. in Chicago, Ill., before his retirement. A member of the Hydewood Park Baptist Church in North Plainfield, Mr. Drake was a lay preacher for Oakley Kimble Ministries in North Plainfield for 10 years and attended the Sparta Evangelical Free Church. The son of the late Earle C. Drake Sr. and Sue (Wardell) Drake, Mr. Drake also was predeceased by a son, Jeremy E. Drake, in 2010. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Constance M. Drake; two sons, Timothy Drake and wife, Cheryl, of Sparta, and Emeline D. Wright of North Port, Fla.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Services and interment are private and under the direction of Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton. Memorial donations may be made to the Sparta Evangelical Free Church, 429 Lafayette Road, Sparta, NJ 07871. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
My grandfather was like a father to me. No matter what question I asked or what I was going through, he always had time for me. His faith was a rock in the middle of my own spiritual storms and I remember it as a signpost, always pointing towards our Heavenly Father. I will miss you always, until we meet again, PopPop.
1981 ~ "If I get to Heaven before you do, I´ll drill a little hole and pull you through." Written to me by PopPop.
Darlene Davis
Family
January 11, 2023
My dad was my best friend, I look forward to seeing him again because of the grace of Jesus
Tim Drake
Other
December 15, 2022
May the God of comfort grant you comfort at this difficult time.
February 26, 2014
With many thoughts and deepest sympathy, I pray that God will comfort and strengthen your family. (Psalm 23)
February 26, 2014
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