Allen Drake

Allen Drake, 88, of Patterson, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at his home.

Allen Dean Drake was born on July 21, 1936, in Madison County, Iowa, to Alfred Dean and Mary Louise (Brown) Drake. He graduated from Patterson High School in 1953 and served in the US Military in the Army branch. Allen married Marilyn Sullivan, on February 3, 1959, at the First Methodist Church in Des Moines, Iowa. To this union were born four children, Larry, Laurie, Gary, and Deborah.

Throughout his life, Allen was a dedicated worker, holding various positions at Atlas Music Store, Golden Sun Feeds, Massey Ferguson, Dico, and Fawn Engineering. He also worked as a farmhand for Franklin and Marie Grooms. He resided in  Madison County,  and earlier Warren and Guthrie Counties - Patterson, Martensdale, and Menlo, Iowa.

A man of deep faith and community involvement, Allen was a devoted member of the Patterson United Methodist Church and the Winterset Square Dance Club. His love for music was evident in his passion for playing the mandolin and harmonica at countless music jams, nursing homes, and social events. He was a talented musician and could play anything with strings by ear. Additionally, he was a proud member of the American Legion.

Allen is survived by his children: Larry Drake of Winterset, Laurie (Rod) Wheeler of St. Charles, Gary Drake of Patterson, and Deborah Mehmen of Boone; five grandchildren: Christopher (Caitrin) Wheeler of Garrettsville, OH, Justin Wheeler of Peru, Heather (Oscar) Ibarra of Boone,  Brian (Alisa) Drake of Winterset, Lonnie Drake of Patterson, and ten great-grandchildren: Gavin Wheeler, Wyatt Drake, Rylen Ibarra, Joeseph Ibarra, Marlena Wheeler, Mac Wheeler, Scarlett Ibarra, Emmett Wheeler, Kasandra Drake, and Gwendolyn Wheeler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Mary Drake; his beloved wife, Marilyn; his sister, Ethel Eloise Brennecke; and his grandson, Jeffrey Jones.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. A funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Patterson United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Union Chapel Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Patterson United Methodist Church.