Cleave Drake Jr.

DRAKE Cleave Drake, Jr. Entered Into Life on September 11, 1947 in Louisville, KY to the late Cleave Robinson and Hannah Drake. Cleave graduated from Eastern High School in Louisville, KY before joining the United States Army during the Vietnam War. With his generous and loving spirit towards his family, Cleave insisted that his brother, Cleotha, who was also fighting in the Vietnam War be discharged early while he stayed. With such courage and honor, Cleave would leave the military in 1968 with an Honorable Discharge. Cleave was united in holy matrimony to Darlene Meneese, and to this union was born seven sons, Cleave Drake, Kevin Drake, Kenneth Drake, Shawn Drake, Shomari Drake, Julius Drake, and Troy Drake. Cleave went on to become a dedicated foster parent opening his home to those that needed strength and encouragement. Always remaining rooted in family, Cleave would often travel from Columbus to spend time with his loved ones in Louisville, always coming with a wide smile, laughter and love. He was a devoted father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, foster parent and friend to all that knew him. Cleave gave his life to the Lord in his middle years and he was a faithful and loyal man of God never missing an opportunity to spread the love of Christ. Entered into Eternity Cleave Drake departed this life on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at OSU East Hospital after a brief illness at the age of 64. He was preceded in death by his mother Hannah Drake, his father Cleave Robinson, sisters Betty Lynne, Georgia L. Prince and twin brother Cleotha Drake. He leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Cleave, Kevin, Kenneth, Shawn, Shomari, Julius, and Troy; his sisters, Carrie Mae Drake, Joyce Ann Brown, Jamesetta Drake, all of Louisville, KY; brothers, Bobby Drake of Louisville, KY and Chris Drake of Columbus, OH; grandson, Kevin Gore; granddaughters, Shawntai Lewis, Shampayne Drake, Jaliyah Drake, Shawnae Drake, and Jayanna Drake; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends and close friend, "Suga Man". During a brief conversation had with Cleave just a few weeks prior to his death, Cleave said, "I do not weep as if I have no hope because I know that absent from the body means present with the Lord." The family of Cleave Drake can feel a sense of peace knowing that Cleave is now present with the Lord. His fight is over, he served faithfully, he walked uprightly and now there is in store for Cleave the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to him on that day--and not only to Cleave, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. Cleave Drake will be truly missed by all that knew and loved him. Homegoing service 11 a.m. Thursday, March 15, 2012 at the Apostolic Faith Temple, 1634 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43205. Dr. Mamie L. Wilson, officiating. The family will receive friends at the church Thursday, 10 a.m. until the start of service. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.diehl-whittaker.com/obits.