Mike Drake

CHARLESTON, IL – Michael Joseph Drake, age 50 of Charleston, was united with his father, and the angels and saints in heaven on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 while at Carle Hospital in Urbana.   A Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 4, 2013 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church located at the corner of Tenth and Jefferson in Charleston.  Visitation for family and friends will begin at 4:30 p.m. immediately following the Rosary and will continue until 8:00 p.m. at the church.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father John Titus presiding.  Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.   It is requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his honor be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 4024 or to Boy Scout Troop 141.  Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the Visitation or Funeral Mass, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. Mike was born on February 21, 1962 in Paris, Illinois and was a son of Jim and Judy (Wright) Drake.  He was United in Holy Matrimony to Lynette Baer on November 24, 1990 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Charleston.  In addition to Lynette, his loving wife and best friend of twenty-two years, he is survived by his children, Hannah Drake and Michael J. Drake, both of Charleston; his mother, Judy Drake of Charleston; his sister, Chris Bough and husband Darrell of Charleston; a brother, J. Jeff Drake of Charleston; his mother-in-law, Jeanette F. Baer of Charleston; and several loving nieces and nephews.  Mike was preceded in death by his father, Jim Drake; his grandparents; and his father-in-law, Donald E. Baer. Mike was a1980 graduate of Charleston High School and furthered his education at Eastern Illinois University where he attained a Bachelors degree in Geology and minored in math and physics.  He was a Consultant and Field Geologist and was employed in the Housing and Dining Department at Eastern Illinois University. Mike was a faithful member of the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church family where he was actively involved.  He served as a church usher and was a Religious Ed teacher for the eighth grade students.  He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4024 and a Past Grand Knight from 2007-2009, during which time the Council received recognition as a Star Council.  Mike received many awards and recognitions including the Bronze Pelican Award given by the Springfield Diocese for Outstanding Service to Spiritual Development and was named to the Springfield Diocesan Chapter of Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame in 2011.  Mike and his family were named Family of the Year by the Illinois State Council Knights of Columbus for 2009-2010.  One of Mike's most cherished possessions was a Father J. McGivney relic given to him by his fellow KC Council Members.  Mike was also a part of the group who in 2010 founded the Columbian Squires at St. Charles which is a youth organization of the Knights of Columbus.  Whatever the project Mike was always there to lend a hand and was always on the front line in helping to coordinate the many Knights of Columbus Fish Frys. Mike was also extremely involved with the scouting program and was a member of the Boy Scouts of America.  He was Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 41 from 1980 – 1983 and of Troop 141 from 2003 until his death.  He assumed a leadership role as a Merit Badge counselor, and was himself an Eagle Scout and Brotherhood Member Order of the Arrow.  Mike was inducted into the Boy Scouts of America National Hall of Leadership in 2010 in celebration of the 100th year of scouting and was also awarded the District Award of Merit that same year.  Mike received the Scoutmaster Training Award in 2012 and was a true blessing to the scouting program - they were fortunate to have his guidance, leadership and unmatched experience on their numerous camping, canoeing and caving expeditions. Mike loved nature and the outdoors and shared his love for hiking, camping and canoeing with his family on many vacations.  His love for cooking was exhibited in the many meals for large groups which he helped to organize and prepare or by a simple campfire with his scouting troop – he was the Master Cook.  Mike was also a pilot and enjoyed the thrill of flying Ol' Blue, loved the challenge of building things, was a mechanic and an avid woodworker.  Mike's talents didn't end there as he also tapped his own trees for the maple syrup and was known for making the best sauerkraut. Mike lived life to its fullest and devoted his to helping others.  He was an advocate of donating blood and gave whenever he was able.  He was also an organ donor and was able to give his corneas for another's benefit.  He led an exemplary life for others to follow.  As a loving and supportive husband and father he was an apostle of Christian family life.  His leadership and mentoring of young people was to empower them so they might become strong Christians and to guide them to be selfless as they generously give back to their community and serve one another.  Mike's faith and trust in God remained steadfast and he continued to live his life in a positive and upbeat style.  He conducted his life in a manner which demonstrated a deep and abiding love for his God, his family, his friends and his country.