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Thomas Joseph "Tom" Drake

1936 - 2022

Thomas Joseph "Tom" Drake obituary, 1936-2022, Lockport, IL

Thomas Drake Obituary

Thomas "Tom" Joseph Drake
Born: February 7, 1936
Died: October 23, 2022
Thomas Joseph Drake, 86, of Lockport, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2022. Family and friends will gather at 9:45 AM on Monday, October 31 with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 AM at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 1214 S. Hamilton St, Lockport, IL. Entombment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Romeoville, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorial contributions to the Joliet American Legion Band email: [email protected] or Lockport Chapter of Ducks Unlimited payable to Ducks Unlimited and mail to John Suva;, 13834 W. 151st St.; Homer Glen, IL 60491.
Tom was born February 7, 1936, to Frank and Jeannette (Ballantine) Drake, and was a lifelong resident of Lockport. Tom married JoAnn DeSandre on June 29, 1957, at St. Dennis Church.
After graduating from Lockport Township High School, Tom continued his education at the Vander Cook College of Music graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education in 1956 and later, a Master of Music Education in 1960. He was a music educator for 38 years, first at Kelvin Grove Junior High School as Band Director and Music Classroom Instructor in 1956, then as Band Director at District #91 in 1961, and followed by Music Department Chairman at the newly opened Lockport West High School (now Romeoville High School) in 1963. His student bands were active competitors in both concert and marching band events achieving numerous awards and championships at the high school level. He was most proud of the accomplishments of all his students throughout his music education career. Tom received the honor of being designated Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator in 1992 and received the 1993 St. Genesius Award presented by Lewis University, where he was adjunct professor of music, for his dedication to musical enrichment of the community.
When Tom retired from Romeoville High in 1994, he was able to focus his full musical attention on the Joliet American Legion Band. Tom started with the band in the clarinet section during the 1950s and began conducting the band in 1963. Under his baton, the band won multiple state and national championship titles and became a local favorite for many Will County residents. After retiring from conducting the band, Tom continued to participate in their success as Conductor Emeritus and often traveled with the band to concerts and contests.
Tom enjoyed the outdoors as an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. He founded the Lockport Chapter of Ducks Unlimited with his long-time friend Dan Tully and was active in the organization as District and Zone Chairman for Illinois. When not scouting good fall hunting locations or finishing a quick round of golf with his buddies, Tom would head north with JoAnn to their summer home in Wisconsin where they were often joined by extended family. Tom also enjoyed flying as an accomplished pilot and was president of Drake Aviation.
Most recently Tom was a beloved resident at Heartis Senior Living, Orland Park, IL where he developed new friendships with residents and his caregivers, sharing humor and advice. The family is forever grateful for the care and love they showed Tom.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn, his parents, Frank and Jeannette Drake and his brother, James Drake. Tom is survived by his sons, Mark (Kim) Drake of Stilwell, KS, Tim (Theresa) Drake of Lockport; four grandchildren, Alexandra Smith (Nolan), Jennifer, Nicholas and Mallory Drake; one great-grandchild, Rylan Smith, his sister, Patience (George) Roggensack of Madison, WI, and sister-in-law Pamela Drake of Nixa, MO. Arrangements by O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME. For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-News on Oct. 28, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Drake

Sponsored by O'Neil Funeral Home and Heritage Crematory - Lockport.

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Scott Hamilton

October 15, 2023

So many good memories of Mr. and Mrs. Drake. I will pray for them both and their family. My best wishes to Mark and Tim and their families.

Ted Parker

October 31, 2022

Prayers for the family as I have such great memories of my good friend Tim Drake, playing pool and listening to Abba in Mr. Drake's basement. Also farmed around the corner from Danny Tully his good friend.

Vic Sullins

October 31, 2022

Condolences to family. I was good friends with Tom´s younger brother Jimmy and remember being at the Drake house watching cartoons on Saturday mornings. Tom, sister Pat, and parents Jeanette and Frank were all a really good family.

Dominick M Maino

October 30, 2022

Dominick M Maino

October 30, 2022

Dominick M Maino

October 30, 2022

Dominick M Maino

October 30, 2022

Mr. Drake was a large part of my life from 1965-69. I played trumpet in the band, jazz band, show band, and marching band. I also sang in the many choirs. He taught me more than music. He could handle his "problem band boys" well and taught us how to be adults during a most troubled time in America's history. Tom had a wonderful sense of humor and an intuitive sense of how to get teenagers to do the hard things. My brother and I (he played sax and was the drum major during marching season) visited him at his senior living facility just before COVID hit and was thrilled that we had a chance to do so. My most heartfelt prayers to all. The photos are: 1. Awarding Mr. Drake with the Beat Up Sax trophy for putting up with the '69 Band, 2. My brother and I at his retirement Band Concert, 3. My brother and I visiting Tom at his senior living facility.

Marilyn Langley Fox

October 30, 2022

May you RIP MR. Drake . One of my first band directors back in 1960. Central Grade school, Kelvin Grove, etc. Great man of music !!!!

Donna Yost

October 29, 2022

The Drakes and the Yosts have had a friendship that spans over 50 years. We send love and prayers to you Mark and Tim and your families. We share your sadness. With love, Jerry, Donna, Jim and Leslie Ann

Jean Waechter

October 28, 2022

Mark and family,
So very sorry for the loss of your dad. Such an accomplished life he led. I will keep you in my prayers.
Jean Waechter

Pat Drake Roggensack

October 28, 2022

He was the best brother Jim and I could ever have had.
Love
Pat xxoo

Judy (DelSasso) Schroeder

October 28, 2022

I knew Tom's family from Grade School on in the Fairmont subdivision of Lockport and are proud of all his accomplishments. My sympathies go to his family. Judy (DelSasso) Schroeder

Tina Johnson Baker

October 28, 2022

My condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather. I knew JoAnn from growing up on Parkview Lane and later we were neighbors on Valley Lane. Your parents were wonderful people and touched the lives of so many in a positive way. May your treasured memories give you comfort and peace in their passing. Your dad is certainly enjoying heavenly music and precious outdoors.

Kate Kleinhoffer

October 28, 2022

My deepest condolences to the Drake family. Ken loved playing with/for Tom for many years in the Legion Band. Many fond memories.

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Memorial Events
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Oct

31

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

St. Dennis Catholic Church

1214 S. Hamilton St, Lockport, IL

Funeral services provided by:

O'Neil Funeral Home and Heritage Crematory - Lockport

1105 E. 9th St., Lockport, IL 60441

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