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Mike Drake Obituary
The son of the late Donald and Barbara Drake, Mike was born Jan. 15, 1957, in Toledo, Ohio, and grew up in Kalamazoo, Mich., where he graduated from Western Michigan University. Mike dedicated his life to building the character of young men through coaching college football. He began his college coaching career at his alma mater, Western Michigan University, and moved on to Western New Mexico University where, at the age of 27, he became the youngest head coach in the nation. He then became the head football coach at the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS), and later coached at the United States Naval Academy and the University of Kentucky. He joined the Kent State University football coaching staff in 1998, where he became assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, and also served as an academic advisor to many student athletes.
Throughout his career, Mike coached and mentored hundreds of young men and women. As a coach, and as a friend, Mike had the unique ability to make everyone around him feel very special, and left a lasting impression on all whose lives he touched. An honorable man of immeasurable character, Mike will be deeply missed by all, but never forgotten.
A dedicated and loving husband and father, he is survived by his wife, Patty; daughters, Abigail and Hannah; and son, Michael. He is also survived by a sister, Martha (John) Bishop of Ft, Myers, Fla.; brothers, Dob (Jeree) of Richland, Mich., and Scott Drake of Kalamazoo, Mich.; two nieces, Jessica Bishop and Nicole Bishop Bain; and one nephew, JJ Bishop.
Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kent State University Ballroom. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Kent State University Ballroom, with Pastor Jay Halley officiating; a burial ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Coach Mike Drake Memorial Foundation, c/o Mr. Clint Bruce, 5956 Sherry Lane, Suite 1900, Dallas, Texas 75225. For further information. refer to
www.kentstatesports.com. (REDMON, STOW, 330-688-6631.)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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