Andrew Merle Drake

Andrew Merle Drake, 73, peacefully passed away at his home on Thursday, December 19, 2024. He was born on April 29, 1951, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the son of Jack Jonell and Wanda Mae Johnsen Drake. After graduating from high school, Andy served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Southwest Mission.

Andy enjoyed playing the guitar, wrestling, and water skiing growing up. He married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Wendy Jorgensen, on January 20, 1973, in the Los Angeles, California Temple. Over the last 52 years, they were blessed with 8 children, 32 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. They enjoyed many family trips, especially the annual boating trip to Flaming Gorge. In later years, Andy and Wendy loved going on cruises with their dear friends. Andy was the rock of the family. His life exemplified love, selflessness, hard work, and service to his family. 

Andy was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He immersed himself in the scriptures and served in many callings, including gospel doctrine teacher, Bishop, and temple ordinance worker. Andy and Wendy served as missionaries in the Ogden Inner-city Mission; Missouri Independence Mission; and the New York Palmyra Temple Mission.

He worked as an engineer, graduating from BYU. He earned a Master’s degree and two Doctorate degrees. He worked at Boeing and John Deere before becoming a manufacturing engineering professor at Weber State University. Andy acted as the Department Chair of Engineering, the Assistant Dean of the College of Technology, and a MFET Program Coordinator for the Manufacturing Engineering Accreditation Board.

He enjoyed all types of music. He toured around the world as a member of the Utah Symphonic Choir. He played the banjo and sang with the Washtub Trio Band. His favorite way to share music was playing the guitar with all the kids and grandkids every Christmas Eve. Andy was an excellent handyman who could fix anything. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and forging different knives and swords.

Andy is survived by his wife, Wendy; their eight children, Dustin and Kim and their children, Austin and his children, Lexie, Mayrose, and Westin; Isabell; and Dallin; Tim and Celeste Drake and their children, Alec (Katelyn), Lily, and Megan; Travis and Jamie Drake and their children, Riley (Porter), Oliver, Georgi; and Cannon; Rebecca and Alan Boss and their children, Hannah, Peter, Joseph ( Liberty), Eden, and Miriam; Mark and Amy Drake and their children, Jackson, Charlie, Nixon, and Harper; Dan and Heidi Drake and their children, Jonah, Allix, Lexi, and Cash; Tamara and Ryan Warner and their children, Brinley, Madie, Lyla, Ava, Tilly, and Vivian; Clint and Rebekah Drake and their children, Brooklyn, Carter, and Jack; and Andy’s siblings, John, Dave, Christine, and Gina. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ron and Mike.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Uintah 2nd Ward Chapel, 6660 South 1775 East. Friends may visit with family on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Uintah City Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in memory of Andrew Drake to the General Missionary Fund for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by going to this site: donate.churchofjesuschrist.org 

You will be given the option of sending a card/email on the Thank You page of the donation site after your donation is completed. If you will send your emails to adrake9303@msn.com, they will ensure all family members receive copies. 

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