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Vaughn Drake
1918 - 2025
Vaughn Drake
1918 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1918
DIED
2025
Vaughn Drake Obituary
Vaughn Drake, the oldest known veteran to have survived the 1941 surprise attack on Pearl Harbor that thrust the United States into World War II, died April 7, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky at the age of 106.
Drake was an Army engineer stationed at Kaneohe Naval Air Station, Hawai'i, about 10 miles from the primary focus of the attack, when the December 7, 1941 strike took place. He was 23. Drake continued to serve during the war at Saipan throughout the Marianas campaign before returning to civilian life. After attending the University of Kentucky College of Engineering, Drake worked nearly four decades with General Telephone Company before retiring in 1981. He leaves behind his son, Sam W. Drake, two grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
"Vaughn dedicated his life to our country, serving with honor and courage during one of the most pivotal moments in our history," the charity group Welcome Home Military Heroes said on Facebook. "He was a living reminder of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation, and his legacy will continue to inspire all of us for years to come."
(Image: Pacific Historic Parks)
23 Entries
Rose Anna Treadway
April 24, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family. Thank you so very much for serving our country.
Rose Anna Treadway
J Hoffman
April 23, 2025
Thank you for your service and for representing our troops. You were an inspiration to so many and will continue to teach us about selfless love for our country. Rest in peace with God by your side.
Brennen Garcia
April 22, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
May you Rest in Peace
Lord Jesus Name. Amen
Brennen Garcia
April 22, 2025
I will missed you. Rest in Peace
How you can show support
Brennen Garcia
April 21, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
May you Rest in Peace
Lord Jesus Name. Amen
Penny Adkins
April 21, 2025
Thank you for your service .
Jenee
April 21, 2025
I am so sorry about Vaughn's loss. He lived a long life. The family has my condolences, and I pray that you will be surrounded continuously with love, support, and "everlasting comfort" (2 Thess 2:16).
Barbara Jean Plumley
April 20, 2025
RIP Sir. Thanking you for your service and sacrifice to our country. Prayers of comfort, strength, God's blessings to the family. Another veteran you never net, US Navy, 1963-67, MM US Salamonie. Robert J Plumley, in NC
Missy
April 20, 2025
Thank you for your service and sacrifice, a true hero!
My condolences to family
Missy, Indiana
Shana Zepeda
April 20, 2025
I didn´t know you, but I sincerely thank you for your service! God kept you then and many years after! R.I.P. You´ve earned your wings, Soldier!
Norma Diane Garrettson
April 19, 2025
Thank you for your service to our Country. God Bless Your Soul
Terri Miller
April 19, 2025
thank you for your service sir
Scott Jonker
April 18, 2025
Mr Drake. Thank you sir. Because of men and women like you I HAVE MY FREEDOM...You like my father Joe D Jonker who's sacrifice for our country will never be forgotten. God Bless you and your family. Go be with your brothers in arms. THANK YOU SIR.
C. Mark Garner
April 18, 2025
Sincerest condolences to the family and friendsof this Great American & human being. Words cannot express my gratitude for your service and patriotism. May you R.I.P.
Tony Spirito
April 18, 2025
John Moore Harnett
April 17, 2025
To the Drake family, I offer my condolences. There´s a reason this was called "the greatest generation." As a veteran, I salute his service.
I had a dear friend and teacher, Ralph Williams, who was also at Pearl Harbor.
Angela E Sharp
April 16, 2025
Bless this family for their loss and our countries loss.
cdh cdh
April 16, 2025
Fly high soldier
Jack Barrett
April 15, 2025
Thank you for your service in fighting back the evil hoard that threatened the world
Elizabeth Bell
April 14, 2025
RIP Vaughn
Shawneequa Samuels Sims
April 14, 2025
Thank you for your service. RIP.
Diana Patton
April 14, 2025
My condolences and prayers to Mr. Drake's family. He was a hero at Pearl Harbor. Everyone who was at Pearl Harbor were heroes on December 7th 1941. The Lord Is My Shepherd. Psalm 23.
Larry R.
April 14, 2025
RIP Vaughan, god bless!
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
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