Patrick Edward Drazen

Patrick Edward Drazen was born on December 29th, 1951, at Garfield Park Hospital in Chicago, IL, and passed away on January 23rd, 2025, at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, MI. Patrick's journey through life was marked by intellectual curiosity, a love for the arts, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. 

Patrick, a proud Class of 1970 graduate of J. Sterling Morton High School West in Berwyn, IL, carried the spirit of his upbringing through every facet of his life. His strong foundation led him to explore his passion for broadcasting, ultimately shaping his career as a beloved radio announcer. Patrick's voice was more than just a familiar presence; it was a thread in the fabric of his listener's daily lives, imbuing each broadcast with warmth and character. He also went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, and a Master’s degree in the same subject from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. 

Beyond the airwaves, he was revered for his profound love for writing and his ability to deftly navigate the complex worlds of Japanese culture and religious studies. His Japanese pop culture education actually started around age 10 when he saw the first full-length anime ever released in America, Alakazam The Great, a dubbed version of the legend of Son-Goku the monkey king. It was in the 1980s, with the release of Frederik Schodt’s landmark book Manga! Manga!: The World of Japanese Comics and the availability of consumer VCRs capable of plating Japanese tapes, that Patrick found a subject he could take to heart. An avid writer, Patrick spent countless hours crafting pieces that reflected his sharp analytical mind, sharing insights that were both enlightening and thought-provoking. His works left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to encounter them, enriching the minds and spirits of his audience. He was the author of Anime Explosion: The What? Why? And Wow! Of Japanese Animation (2002; 2nd edition, 2014), A Gathering of Spirits: Japan’s Ghost Story Tradition (2011), and Holy Anime: Japan’s View of Christianity (2017). He became something of an authority on the subject; he served on the Editorial Board of the journal Mechademia, was a speaker at conferences including Yaoi-con in San Francisco, Anime Central in Chicago, and Armageddicon in Columbus, OH. He was also Master of Ceremonies at the Smithsonian Institution’s Anime Marathon of 2006.

As is true with many writers, Patrick wrote for pleasure and not just academic pursuit. He authored a number of fanfics based on the 1982 animated motion picture The Secret of NIMH as well as making contributions to the body of Harry Potter stories, known as the Potterverse. One fanfic series of his managed to combine both his knowledge of anime and of Japanese history and culture. Titled Bushido Senshi Sailor Moon, it utilized the characters and situations of the megahit manga series Sailor Moon while setting the stories during the feudal era of Japan’s shogunate.

He joins in rest his father, Joseph Edward Drazen, his mother, Eva Erika Lasch, his loving wife, Carlos Clarke-Drazen, and his younger brother, Timothy John Drazen. His legacy is continued through his twin brother, Daniel Joseph Drazen, who, alongside a wider circle of family and friends, remembers Patrick with deep admiration and love. He is also survived by his sisters in law Cara Clarke and Elizabeth Ester, nieces Mica Powers and Nana Asantewaa Armah, nephew Sheridan Jerome Clarke Jr., and longtime friend Victoria Price.

There will be no services held at this time

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home.

 While he has left the earthly realm, Patrick's intellectual pursuits and dedication to community live on. His memory brings forth smiles in the faces of acquaintances and stirs inspiration within the hearts of young writers. Throughout a life well-lived, Patrick Edward Drazen made an indelible mark, one that will continue to resonate for generations to come.