Duane E Drake

Duane Ernest Drake, 88, of Bellaire, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2023 with his loving family at his side.  He was born on September 9, 1934, in Staunton, VA, the son of Harold and Blanch (Peter) Drake.

Duane graduated from Fostoria High School in Ohio where he was a proud member of the marching band and Vice President of his Senior Class.  He went on to attend the University of Toledo for 2 yrs. Becoming a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity before joining the military.  He served in the United States Army stationed in Japan for two years before returning home with an honorable discharge. 

He built a successful career for himself as a salesman for Detroit Ball Bearing/Invetech, now called Applied.  He and his family moved several times throughout the years due to promotions, and after 36 ½ yrs of employment with the same company he retired as a Regional Manager.  He and his wife retired permanently to Lake Bellaire in 2003.

Duane volunteered in the communities where he lived in over the years; however, much of his time was spent serving Bellaire and the surrounding areas.  He served as a monitor of Lake Bellaire for the Three Lakes Association as well as being on their board of directors for several years.  He was also a member of the Lions Club for over 40 years in Muskegon, Toledo, and Bellaire, where he was honored to be named Lion of the Year in 2012. He, and his contributions to the community, will be greatly missed.

Among other activities, he spent his free time enjoying the beautiful lakes in the area, splitting wood, and spending time with his family.    

In addition, Duane was an avid snowmobiler and he belonged to the Antrim County Snowmobile Club as well as the Michigan Snowmobile Association.  He also gave back to his fellow riders by grooming the local trails for many years.  As a rider himself, he took many trips with his buddies, the Drummond Island Goofballs, with whom he had many laughs and good times. 

Duane was a kind, gentle, generous man who was never quick to judgement.  During the warmer months “Dewey” could usually be found sitting under his favorite tree enjoying the company of his friends and neighbors for “four o’clocks”.

Duane is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Pat Drake; two sons, David Drake of Weston, OH, and Michael (Jill) Drake of Geneva, IL; his brother, Marvin (Ellie) Drake of Boxborough, MA; six grandchildren, Heidilyn, Derek, Zachary (Tiffany), Samuel, Natalie, and Vivian; and three great-grandchildren, Cadence, Lilah, and Duane.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Saturday, July 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with a service from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com