Paul Drake

1939 - 2025

Paul Drake

November 11, 1939 ~

July 3, 2025

Paul Drake, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, in Moab, Utah. He was 85 years old.

Paul was born on November 11, 1939, in Yuma, Colorado, the only son of George and Esther Drake. He grew up surrounded by six sisters in a home rooted in faith-his father was a Nazarene minister, and that spiritual foundation shaped Paul's life from an early age. His family later moved to Rifle, Colorado, where Paul attended school and graduated from Rifle High School. He went on to study at Mesa College in Grand Junction.

While living in Grand Junction, Paul met Elizabeth Dowell at a Nazarene church. They got married on July 10, 1959, beginning a journey of love and partnership that would last 66 years.

Paul began his career at Clymer's Dairy in Rifle, Colorado, where his daughter Rebecca was born. The family later welcomed their daughter Lorrie. In 1963, the family moved to Moab, Utah, where Paul began working for Holsum Bakery. It was there that their son, Christopher, was born. Paul became known throughout the community as a dedicated "bread man," a role he held for 40 years. After retiring, he found joy in driving a school bus for the Grand County School District-a job he cherished deeply.

A man of deep faith, Paul was a devoted Christian and a member of the Community Church in Moab, where he served as song leader and held various leadership roles. His love of music was evident in his perfect pitch and the many weddings, funerals, and community events where he shared his voice.

Paul had a passion for woodworking, took great pride in his flower garden and yard, and was a voracious reader with a special interest in Colorado history. His love of travel took him across the United States and to places as far as the Holy Land and Hawaii.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Drake; daughters Rebecca (Rick) Carrigan and Lorrie (Kerry) Lange; son Christopher (Claudia) Drake; and grandchildren Melissa (Joshwa) Kuretich, Brianna (Matthew) Walcott, Kelby (NaShay) Lange, Amanda Carrigan (Randy George), Caitlin (Christian) Faulkner, Rhiannon (Kidus) Drake-Legesse, Jessica (Kyle) Marshall, and Lauren (John) Van Dalen. He also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren and two sisters, Patricia Eirish and Marlene Dere.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, George and Esther Drake, and sisters Margaret Ellis, Mary Logan, Martha Glazier, and Esther Lucas.

Paul's family would like to thank Dr. Jonas Munger and Community Nursing Services and Hospice, especially Jeanette Badger for all of their compassionate care.

Paul Drake will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love of music and history, his kind heart, and his deep devotion to his family and community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, 10:00 AM, at the Community Church of Moab.

Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com