Oscar Drake, Jr.

Today, we gather to honor the life and spirit of Oscar Drake Jr., who departed this world on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. While we grieve, we also give thanks—for a life lived in quiet strength, deep devotion, and a love that left no heart untouched.

Oscar was born to Oscar and Annie Kibble Drake, the eldest of seven children. From the very beginning, he was chosen—not just by birth order, but by divine design—to be a protector, a steady guide, and a pillar for his siblings. And he took that role seriously—not with hardness or control, but with a calm gentleness that wrapped his family in peace. His strength was never loud—but it was always there. Like a soft breeze that moves the trees, or a still voice that brings clarity in a storm. And as life unfolded, that same spirit stretched wide. 

Just as he stood tall for his brothers and sisters, he became a father of seven children, passing on that same protective love, the same peace-filled presence, and the same quiet courage. It’s no coincidence—perhaps it was God’s poetry—that Oscar, the eldest of seven, would be entrusted to raise seven of his own.

 A full circle. A legacy mirrored. Oscar was deeply loved—not just by his children, but by a wide circle of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. His warmth wasn’t just something you saw—it was something you felt. Whether it was his mellow voice, his knowing smile, or the music he loved—he had a way of leaving fingerprints on the soul. And oh, yes—he had a streak of adventure. Just when you thought you had him figured out, Oscar would surprise you. A little bit of a daredevil, unafraid to try, to live, to lean into life’s edge. But always, with grace. We don’t mourn as those who have no hope. We celebrate, we remember, and we trust in the promises of God. As the Word reminds us in Isaiah 26:3:“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. ”Oscar lived in that kind of peace. And now, he rests in it—perfectly, eternally. Let us carry forward his calm strength, his protective love, and his quiet joy. For Oscar Drake Jr.’s melody still plays—in every story told, every child he raised, every life he touched. His love was never loud, but it was lasting. And that is the kind of legacy heaven welcomes home.

Oscar was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar, Sr and Annie Kibble Drake, wife, Thelma Amelia Drake, siblings, Melvin and Shelby Drake.

Those left to celebrate his life are his children, Frederick (Pam) McGee, Ava R. (Jimi) Wilson, Nena (Kenneth) Alexander, Glenn (Kathrine) Drake, Marlo Drake-Robinson (Raub), Tracy Michelle Sweat and DraShean Marcel Drake,15 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, siblings, Eura Drake Sales, Clarence L. Drake, Vera Drake Curry, Elbert L. Drake (Linda) a host of other family and friends.