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David Drake Obituary
David Edward Drake Sr., age 45 passed away unexpectedly at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, NV. on Wednesday March 25, 2009. David was born February 3rd, 1964 in Wiesbaden Germany to the late Ellis Sr. and Gladys Drake. The Drake family moved to Lompoc in 1964 where David attended grade school and graduated from Cabrillo Senior High School in 1982. David grew to be an avid sports player and continued that passion through volunteering his time and energy to support his children during their active athletic careers. He continued to be involved in sports by becoming a referee. He had a great passion for the game of basketball and golf to which he played every opportunity he had. David was no stranger to the outdoors, he loved camping and continued that tradition every year. David built a career in the plumbing field being a part of the Plumbing Pipe Fitting Union. He moved to Las Vegas in 2004 where he took pride in working on major projects for hotels and resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. David is survived by Jennifer of whom he shared his love and laughter of twenty-two years, his four children, David Edward Drake Jr. age 25, Angela Marie Holland age 24, Adam Jordan Drake age 23, and Jordan Marie Drake age 20, his two sisters, Judy Drake and Kathleen Richardson, his three brothers, Ellis Jr., Alfred and Kevin Drake Sr. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. David had a profound way of making everyone laugh and feeling extremely loved and welcomed in his life. He will truly be missed. The family will have a small private gathering in Las Vegas, NV. A memorial service in Lompoc, CA will follow at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Drake
Gloria Purter
April 27, 2009
All my love and prayers go out to the Drake family over the loss of our brother. God is good and his love is everlasting. Peace be with you from Gloria and the Purter family.
Michael Irvin
April 21, 2009
My prayers go out to David's children and the rest of his family. I am so sorry for your loss. David introduced me to the world of high school when I was a freshmen and Dave a junior. I am grateful for having known him.
Kimberly Coy
April 17, 2009
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved David. May God bless you all.
Floyd Wilson
April 16, 2009
On behalf of the Wilson family, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Drake family. God bless...
Ron Berry
April 14, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Davids family, and his brothers and sisters. I met David when he was 5 or 6 and he was a lil' terror then... Our dads worked together, brothers played sports together, so we hung out from time to time.... always full of energy, and alot of fun.... Our paths crossed from time to time at the ballfields and then later on at a few construction projects, same ol' David... Big smile and always something funny to say..... The last time me met was at his moms services, it didn't take long for the conversation to take us back when we first met, getting told over and over to keep the noise down while our parents hung out...... Little League.... and on and on.... He was a very proud Dad, I could see it when he would catch me up on how his kids were doing.... I bet he's up there right now, giving the angels a run for their money.... Godspeed David!
Carol Collins-Rodriguez
April 10, 2009
I was sorry to see that David had passed away. It's probably been about 15 years since I last saw him but I remember his smile and what a funny guy he was. All of everyone's entries reflect on what a likable guy he was.
May he continue to live on in his family and friend's memories and remember “The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us.”
Albert Daniel
April 10, 2009
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved David. May the Lord keep you all in perfect peace.
Carol Moreno (Willis)
April 8, 2009
My deepest sympathy to all of David's family. I knew David from 4th grade all through high school and was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. May God bless you.
Stacy Lauderdale (McDevitt)
April 8, 2009
I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy on your loss. David and I had been friends since elementary school and we also graduated togehter from Cabrillo. He was a great friend and could always make me smile and laugh. I hadn't seen him in a few years, but on the occassion when we would run into each other, he was the same David, fun and happy, still able to make me smile and laugh. I know his family and friends will miss him terribly, I know I will. You are in my thoughts. Take care
Diana Bey
April 8, 2009
To all of YOU
You are all in my thoughts and prayers, May God continue to give you the strength and give you comfort during this difficult time. Take comfort in knowing that David has been a gain to the Kingdom of GOD. Be there for each other and love one another. God Bless You All.
Barbara Erdmann
April 6, 2009
To the Drake Family:
My deepest condolences for your recent loss. May your family, friends, and faith give you strength and support through this difficult time. God Bless.
Karee Benites
April 5, 2009
My heart is filled with sadness. Losing David leaves a void that nothing can replace, especially in the lives of his children, whom he loved more than anything. We will miss you so very much.
Karee Benites
April 5, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Lisa Gordon
April 4, 2009
My condolences to the Drake Family. David was my classmate and a very good friend. He will be missed very much by us all. God bless you and I wish you well.
Kelly Madison
April 4, 2009
I will never forget how David made me laugh in high school with his incendiary sense of humor. He once did his own version of "Always & Forever" that forever changed the meaning of that song for me. I always laugh and think of David whenever I hear it... My deepest condolences go out to the entire Drake family.
Robert A. Madison
April 3, 2009
My condolences to the family. David will be missed. I remember when I first moved to Lompoc, people always asked if we were brothers because we looked a little bit alike. Sometime later I remember talking to him after his first son was born, we both marveled at how precious life can be. David was a good man, I will remember him as a brother and friend. Bless him and his family.
Amanda Romero (Haralson)
April 3, 2009
Jen, Jordan and Boys- I am so sad and sorry for your loss. David was such a funny, loving and special man. He was always willing to lift, move and fix any of my leaks or move my heavy stuff whenever I needed. Jenny-He was your partner for so long, good, bad, everything. I know you have a huge whole in your heart, but just know that David is no longer in pain and he will watch over you forever.
If you need anything or if you come back to Cali, give me a call, anytime, day or night.
Margie Snyder
April 2, 2009
Our love and prayers are with you all. I will always remember David's smile and sweet way. Keep the good memories close, and remember that God has everything in His hands.
Reggie Armstead
April 2, 2009
To the Drake Family, So many loved David very much and I personally send my prayers, and love to your family. God Bless you on behalf of Reggie Armstead, and The Armstead Family.
Mom/Grammy/Theresa Smith
April 2, 2009
My Dearest Jennifer and Family,
Words cannot express the grief I feel in David's passing. David was a man who was larger than life, and enjoyed every minute of it. He was always playing pranks on everyone and bragging about how "no one" could beat him at his game of monopoly! We will all miss him greatly. You shared 22 adventurous years together, sharing the laughter and the tears; you will always hold these memories near and dear to your heart, as will all the kids and family members. David's passing will certainly leave a hugh void in all our lives.
David, You and the family are always in my thoughts and prayers, God Bless and Keep You All.
Love Always,
Rena Oliver
April 2, 2009
Drake family, well what can I say? David will be greatly missed. All my memories of David are cherishable and I am so glad to have known him. David loved to entertain and make people laughed and I enjoyed being around him just to anticipate what he was going to do or say next! My last opportunity to see David was when he and Jenny came to Pahrump to spend time with our family who had just lost our father. I still remember him purposely getting on Jenny's last nerve as he kept slyly turning to me and my daughter winking and laughing at Jenny's frustration. Jenny, you were a trooper for some of Davids antics (smile). Nevertheless those are the memories that make me blessed to have had the opportunity to know David. Rest in Peace David as your memories will live on in all of us who truly love you. Jenny, Adam, David, Jordan, et al you can contact Me or Bridgette any time for anything!
Lisa Stevens
April 2, 2009
I hope your fond memories of David help the family thru this very difficult time. I was a classmate of David's from Jr. High to High School and I too have very special and fond memories of David.
Venetia Lee
April 2, 2009
This was certainly unexpected, my heart goes out to the entire family. David truly was a fun loving man and he will be missed. I pray that you call upon God to help you through this time of sorrow, for He is here for us.
Dodi Keraly
April 2, 2009
I'm very sad 1. Because of David's passing and 2. I did not know that he was a neighbor of mine,for as i also live in las vegas. I have wonderful memories of david at vandenberg And Cabrillo, he was so fun to be around with,Thanks dave for those golden memories,my deepest sympathy to jenny and his children, He will be missed dearly.
C. Mechell Charles
April 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers to the Drake family during this time of bereavement. I pray that God comforts and brings peace to the family. David Drake and I were classmates from Vanderberg Junior High through High School @ Cabrillo. I have been bless to have had known David.
Kelli Mayberry
April 1, 2009
My prayers go out to Jenny, his 3 children and the rest of his family. David was a good guy and will be missed by all of us.
Ruth Hecker-Cameron
March 31, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. I pray that all the cherished memories of David will bring you comfort.
Cheryl Brown-Fulghum
March 30, 2009
I was very sad to hear of David's passing. My earliest memories are of David terrorizing me at Buena Vista, but thankfully that improved as we went through school.
I cannot think of my days at Cabrillo without remembering David. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.
Andrew Dunlap
March 30, 2009
My deepest sympathy for the Drake family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Scott Hecker
March 29, 2009
I last spoke to David in the Village in 1999. We shared stories of knee problems on the lawn of my folks home. Recovering from 3 knee surgeries myself, we had a common topic of interest after nearly two decades since we played Cabrillo basketball together. My stepfather recently suffered from a staff infection himself a few years ago after knee surgery and was very sick for a month.
Hospitals are filthy places, yet necessary to saving lives.
David was a true athlete as were his older brothers. It was a disappointment that he did not pursue baseball with the skills he displayed at Village Hills Little League A Field. If memory serves me, he was on the Giants with Joe Milatti.
My condolences to his family.
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