Thomas (Tom) Osborne Drake III

Thomas (Tom) Osborne Drake III, aged 89, of Eustis, Florida, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025. 

Born in Demopolis, Alabama, upon retirement Tom transitioned to Eustis with his wife Tina, of 47 years.

Tom’s lifelong career allowed him to make a significant impact in the commercial roofing industry. Tom worked for a company in Winter Park, in the 70’s, that was selected by the Disney organization as the roofing and sheet metal contractor for the Theme Park and later for Spaceship Earth; a contractor’s dream. He later became owner and operator of this company. Being a contractor gave him the opportunity to be very active in the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association, (FRSA). This gave him a chance to “give back” to an industry that he had dedicated his life to. His Mom, Claire, ever the school teacher, was very big on this.

A proud veteran, Tom served in the United States Air Force, in Japan, demonstrating unwavering commitment during his time of service.

Tom was an avid airplane enthusiast and hobbyist. He could literally build anything from vehicles, single engine airplanes, to his full-scale boats, Irishrose and Toms3rd. His hobbies added so many lifelong friends throughout his life. His Mom told him he would be judged by the company he keeps and he felt so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people that guided his destiny.

Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, Tina Drake, of Eustis, FL, and four loving daughters: Karen Fazio (Ed) of Titusville, FL; Sandy (Steve) Schab of Belleair Bluffs, FL; Sheri (Paul) Ashcraft of Auburndale, FL; and Donna Tran of Bradenton, Fl. He also leaves behind his sister, Claire Riegel (Bob) of Stuart, Fl, along with 11 cherished grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kathy Newsome, who will forever remain in the hearts of those who love her.

A Memorial Service honoring Thomas’s life will be held at Harden/Pauli Funeral Home in Eustis on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers a donation is welcomed to the Wounded Warriors Project. An online guestbook is available at www.hardenpauli.com. Arrangements are being handled by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, Florida.