Dillon Drake

Dillon Jason Drake was born on September 23, 1992, in Creston, Iowa, to Barb (Saxton) and Deric Drake. He graduated from Mount Ayr Community High School with the Class of 2011.

After high school, Dillon worked a variety of jobs before finding his place at Mercer Motor Repair, where he worked alongside his friend Mason, doing what he did best, fixing things and helping people without ever being asked twice. Even at home, you could always find Dillon working on one of his many trucks, never quite settling for "it's done." He would pull one truck out just to bring another right back into the garage, always tinkering, improving, and building something better.

On May 31, 2014, Dillon married his high school sweetheart, Bailey Jo Cameron. Their story began years earlier as teenagers, and over time, they spent more of their lives together than apart. They grew up, side by side, building a relationship rooted in love, loyalty, and true partnership. Dillon held Bailey in the highest regard, always putting her first, and had a way of balancing her that brought steadiness and calm to their life together. In Diagonal, Iowa, they created a home that was steady, welcoming, and full of the kind of love that didn't need to be loud to be known.

On January 26, 2022, Dillon gained the title that meant the most to him, Dad. With the birth of his son, Dutton Paul Drake, his world was complete. He stepped into fatherhood the same way he lived his life, patient, steady, and all in. Dutton wasn't just his son; he was his purpose, his pride, and his greatest joy.

Dillon's heart was always tied to the farm. It was where he felt most like himself and where his roots ran deepest. Every Saturday and Sunday, you could find him there, with Dutton right by his side, passing down not just skills, but values. From the ground up, Dillon built a herd of cattle with quiet intention, already thinking about the day his son might carry it on. It wasn't just about the cattle; it was about legacy, hard work, and giving Dutton something to grow into.

Dillon was a steady presence in a fast-moving world. He loved deeply, gave freely, and showed up every time. If something was broken, he would fix it. If someone needed help, he was there, no hesitation, no conditions. He had a way of making people feel safe, taken care of, and never alone.

He was the best kind of uncle, the one every kid gravitated toward. The one who would play, help, build, fix, and say yes when others wouldn't. To his nieces and nephews, Uncle Dillon wasn't just fun; he was dependable, trusted, and so deeply loved.

To know Dillon was to know quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and a kind of love that didn't ask for recognition. He didn't need attention to make an impact; he simply lived it every day.

Dillon passed away March 15, 2026. He was preceded in death by his father, Deric Drake; grandparents Paul and Mickey Drake, Hazel Saxton, Larry Saxton, and Jim George; and his brother, Brad Pickering.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Bailey, and their son, Dutton; his parents, Barb (Doug) Pickering and Misty Drake; his parents-in-law, Shawn (Marty) Cameron; his sisters, Jodi (Brett) England, Tasha (Brandon) Greene, Bailea (Blake) Butler, Maddi (Jake) Bennett, and Kelsey (Michael) Williams; his brothers, Dusty Drake and Nik (Lacee) Pickering; his brother-in-law, Levi (Shelby) Cameron; and his sister-in-law, Taylor (Bradley) Bentley.

He will be forever loved by his many nieces and nephews and deeply missed by extended family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dillon's story is not defined by how short his time was, but by how fully he lived it, through the life he built, the love he gave, and the little boy who will grow up hearing just how great his daddy truly was.

A memorial fund has been established to the family to be decided.