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Leonard Drake Obituary

DRAKE Leonard Drake, age 56, Athletic Director at Evansville Central High School, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Evansville, Indiana. Coach Drake was a popular and well-known basketball coach who inspired and touched the lives of thousands of young people across America. His illustrious college coaching career spanned 33 years. He began his career at Xavier University (1978-85) in Louisiana where he coached men and women's basketball. He is survived by his loving family: wife of 24 years, Rhonda ( Haydel) Drake, Evansville, IN; son, Jared Leonard Drake, senior at Southern University in New Orleans, LA; daughter, Enjolí Desiree Drake, sophomore at Central High School, Evansville, IN; 5 brothers; mother-in-law, Joyce M. Simms, Beaumont, TX; father-in-law, Honoré S. Haydel, Jr. and brother-in-law, Honoré S. Haydel III both of Baton Rouge, LA; many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives. Funeral Services are at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2010, at Kaniewski and Sons Funeral Home, 3545 North Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN. Pastors Delbert A. Mack and Marvin Miles are officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made at the Evansville Federal Teacher's Credit Union, 4401 Theatre Drive, Evansville, IN 47715, for a College 529 Savings Plan for his daughter Enjolí Drake. Online condolences may be made at www. browningfuneral.com

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Published by The Times-Picayune on Oct. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Drake

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October 16, 2010

I was so sorry to hear about Leonard's death. My prayer is that the family's grief will soon come to pass, and that you will remember only the good times you shared as a family.
All my love,
Geneva Fleury

crystal partee

October 8, 2010

I am deeply hurt by the loss of mr Drake, I found out today that he is my cousin on my fathers side and I wish I could have met him in person. Love Crystal

melvin ingram

October 6, 2010

My condolences go out to the Drake family and everyone else who was touched by the life of Leonard Drake as I was.My life was touched by him in grade school as he was a icon on the court and off.Attending Brandywine I will always be grateful for having known such a man that will always be more than a mere memory.Thanks Leonard for being who were and how you will always be remembered.Melvin Ingram(SouthBend Indiana

October 5, 2010

As a police officer at Ball State University, I was priveleged to meet and get to know Leonard during the years he was assistant coach for the Cardinals. I grew to not only appreciate him but formed a great friendship with him. I was greatly saddened to hear of his
untimely passing and extend my prayers and sympathy for his family.
Joe Jackson

Peggy (Leach) Eslick

October 4, 2010

I went to school with Leonard and was very sad to hear of his passing. I know he is in a better place, but also remember all the things he accomplished in life. He was a great husband and father. He was also a great coach, teacher and friend to all. I was proud to hear of his accomplishments and the tremendous life he led. He will truly be missed by many. God Bless!

Barbara Encalarde-Duncan

October 4, 2010

Rhonda, I am praying for you, Jared and Enjoli. May you feel the power of God's love as he wraps you in his arms and hold you close to his heart. Stay strong and keep the faith. God will not bring you to it without bringing you through it. I love you all.

Brittney Williams

October 4, 2010

I knew Coach Drake throughout my high school and college career. He was the first coach to take a chance and believe in my ability to play the game of basketball. He was a great coach and person. My prayers are with his family. Coach you will always be in my heart. Thank you for believing. You'll never be forgotten.

Terri Smith-Trabue

October 4, 2010

Rhonda,

I thought about you and Coach Drake a few weeks ago and wondered how you were doing. It's been a long time since we've spoken....BSU days.

I got the call this morning from Derrick Wesley regarding Coach. I am truly sorry and please know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

david fishbaugh

October 4, 2010

my father was the team physician for CMU when lenny played there and we went to all the games. i'll never forget him taking a charge against bowling green, then sinking a one-in-one with a second on the clock to win by one. to this day, my two brothers and i still mimic his free throw--with the hesitation! he provided my family with wonderful memories. may you all feel the Lord's blessings during your time of grieving. grace and peace to you all!

Jody Wood

October 3, 2010

I knew Leonard in high school. I am proud to have known Leonard and I admire the man he became. He is safe in the heavenly Father's arms now.

Valerie Hunter

October 3, 2010

Rhonda, I will never forget how you and Leonard welcomed my son, Micah as he was in Len's basketball camp at CMU. You all welcomed him to stay at his relative's home, "as he is family" as you stated. And I mentioned this to Len when I spoke to him over the phone while he was in Las Vegas this year. Yes, he was humble, kind and not boastful and a true man of God. I cherish what you guys gave us and often speak of it. Jared, Enjoli and Rhonda, remember that Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. I pray God's strength and Peace be unto you.
Your cousin, Val/

Sherry Lyons

October 3, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

Kim Bidlingmyer

October 3, 2010

Rhonda, I am thinking of you, Jared and Enjoli during this difficult time. My prayers are with you all. God Bless!

October 3, 2010

When your heart has beaten for the last time, there's only one thing that God will be looking for at the gates of eternity: Jesus, His Son, with His arm around you saying, "This one's with Me." and Coach Drake i believe in my heart that that one is you! Coach i will miss you and i thank you soo much for your positive impact in my life.
Mama Drake, Jared, Anji
You guys are my family, stay strong, thats what Coach would want...you know he wasnt no punk! (-: My prayers are with you guys and remember i am only a phone call away! I love you Coach..I love you Mama Drake..I love you J..I love you Anji!!!
~Marcelina Patton

Norman, Deborah, Quentin, & Roderick Bellard

October 3, 2010

Rhonda our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jared, and Enjoli.What a man, a true friend and I am sure a dedicated husband and father.Leonard was non-compromising when it came to honesty and loyalty. May God bless you and your family.

David and Tess Pate

October 2, 2010

David and I are so saddened by Leonard's passing. What a "gentle" man and what a gentleman... the epitomy of "class act" and shining example of what "Love Is"... "Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense. There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and endurance. In a word, there are three things that last forever: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of them all is love."� And, oh, how Leonard loved you, dear Rhonda, Jared, and Enjoli. Our thoughts and prayers are there with you. Sincerely, Leonard's "forever" secretary "Miss Tess" and husband David Pate

Arlyn & Sharalyn Land

October 2, 2010

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Tim Waller

October 2, 2010

How can I express my sadness at the loss of one of my very best friends. Leonard, you were a man of integrity. You were open, honest and someone who understood the true meaning of loyalty. We went through some good and some rough times together! I will always cherish our friendship and your memory. Rhonda, please know that Camille and I are here and ready to help you in any way that we can. Leonard, all too soon my brother...Rest eternally in peace....

Tim Waller

Paul Neidig

October 2, 2010

The Central Family is so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless....

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