Roger Duane Drake Sr.

Roger D. Drake Sr., 77, of Fort Gibson, passed away April 18, 2023 in Fort Gibson, OK. He was born on May 28, 1945, the son of Tessie Rose and Grover Drake. A true American son, he grew up rough and tumble on a farm in Rensselaer, IN, alongside eight other siblings. The family moved to Eugene, OR, as he entered into adulthood and joined the Navy.
Roger spent ten dutiful years in the Navy, serving across two ships and traveling the world over. On a duty station in San Diego, he laid eyes on a cocktail waitress and the future love of his life Barbara Joyce Drake. Once he set his mind, there was no changing it. They would go on to have four children together; Tammey, Sandra, Shannon, and Duane.
Roger received an honorable discharge and certificate of appreciation from President Nixon in 1971, just ten months after Duane was born. From that point forward, Roger dedicated his life to his family. As a father he taught all his children the value of hard work, determination, and love. Roger would help others every chance he could, but above all, Roger was a family man. If his family couldn't go, then he didn't go.
Roger and Barbara retired to Fort Gibson, OK where he built their final home and carved out a homestead. They were together 45 years and truly set an example of a loving and faithful relationship. After Barbara's passing, Roger persevered as the cornerstone of the Drake family up until Barbara came to take him home.
Roger is survived by children: Tammey Severson and husband Richie, Sandra Orick and husband Charlie, Shannon McGinley and husband Todd; daughter in-law: Nivea Drake (preceded by Roger Duane Drake Jr.); grandchildren: Kayla Castro and husband Matthew, Brittney Justine and fiancée Spencer, Buddy Devor and fiancée Samantha, Christopher Drake-Killen, Cheyenne Drake-Ashley, Erynn Drake, and Bryson Drake; great-grandchildren: Braden Siler, Tucker Devor, and Owen Devor; siblings: Pat Drake, Kevin Drake and other loving family members.
Roger was preceded in death by his loving wife: Barbara Drake; parents: Tessie and Grover Drake; siblings: Kenneth Drake Sr., Skip Drake, Michael Drake, and Ronald Drake; son: Roger Duane Drake Jr. (survived by Nivea Drake).
Viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Lescher-Millsap Funeral Home of Fort Gibson. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, April 28, 2023 at Citizens Cemetery of Fort Gibson with Pastor Russell Payne officiating. Pallbearers for the service are Christopher Drake-Killen, Todd McGinley, Spencer Crockett and Bryson Drake. Honorary Pallbearers are Buddy Devor and Braden Siler. Services under the direction of Lescher-Millsap Funeral Home.