Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Frederick Drake Obituary
Frederick C. Drake, age 60, of Elmira, NY went home peacefully to be with his Lord on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Fred was born on May 8, 1953 in Elmira, NY and was the son of the late Glenn Drake and Lucile (Rittenhouse) Drake. He married Patsy Watson on September 21, 1974, at the Caton United Methodist Church, and they were blessed with four amazing and beautiful children. He graduated from Corning-Painted Post West High School in 1970, Corning Community College in 1972, and Cornell University in 1974 with a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science. He worked for the Chemung County Nursing Facility for over 10 years. He then began his 24-year career with the United States Postal Service and was most recently working as a Window Clerk at the Mansfield, PA office. Fred was an avid reader--he loved reading the Bible, science fiction, history, and adventure. His favorite hobby was being with family - watching videos, singing, doing puzzles, playing video games, eating together, or celebrating birthdays and holidays. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family. Fred was always active in his church community and had served as an elder, teacher, youth leader, nursery worker, choir member and mentor. He taught Sunday School for over 40 years -- from preschoolers to adults -- he loved sharing his knowledge of the Bible; it was his life manual. Fred is survived by his wife of 39 years, Patsy (Watson) Drake of Elmira; children: Katie (Edward) Rhodes of Big Flats, Emily of Elmira, Caleb (Amanda) Drake of Elmira, and Molly of Elmira; siblings: Janice (H. Peter) Oberlander of Lindley, William (Carolyn) Drake of Norwich, CT, Bruce (Martha) Drake of Painted Post, Robert (Patricia) Drake of Big Flats and Joan (David) Bailey of Elmira; sister-in-law, Wilma (Robert) Blanchard of Corning; uncles and aunts: Richard Drake and Lorrie Marshall of Elmira, Jim (Ina) Clark of Menifee, CA; grandson, Joshua Lucas Drake and expected grandchild, Baby Rhodes; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be held Friday, February 7, 2014, from Noon to 2:00pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Living Word Evangelical Free Church, 1119 Lake Street, Elmira, NY. A celebration of his life will be at 6pm with Pastor Bryan Kain officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Living Word Evangelical Free Church, 1119 Lake Street, Elmira, NY 14901 or to Heather's Home Orphanage, c/o The Love Church, 3136 Lake Road, Horseheads, NY 14845. Arrangements are entrusted to James D. Barrett Funeral Home, 1004 Lake Street, Elmira, NY 14901.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Drake
BILL & DI
February 9, 2014
dear patsy we,re so sorry to hear of fred,s passing. he was one of a kind. a gentle man and ascholar. our condolences to you and your family.
Lisa
February 9, 2014
My prayers go out to your family!My dad went to heaven 11 years ago and i learned that they are always with us,every time i speak or repair something a part of my dad is there. I hope you find comfort in knowing where he is and remembering the times you shared with him here on earth. (Mansfield USPS)
Trim and Sharon Stauffer
February 8, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to you all at this time.
Bobby, Jamie, Bob, Norma Steel
February 7, 2014
Katie & Ed, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you find strength, and faith carry you through your griefing. Your dad is now free of his terrible pain, even though this still makes it so hard for those of us left behind, and I know he is so happy for the upcoming birth of his grandchild. Love from Az, The Steels. Bobby & Jamie, Bob & Norma
Bob & Libby Guild
February 7, 2014
Patsy and family,
You're in our thoughts and prayers. Fred was a great Christian role model and will be truly missed.
February 6, 2014
Fred will be greatly missed. He was a very quiet co-worker of mine but we had some really nice talks on Saturday afternoons when it was quiet at the post office. I met some of his family and his wonderful wife, Patsy, a few weeks ago and my husband and I felt truly blessed. Prayers for all of you.
Lucinda Wood
February 6, 2014
To the Entire Drake Family....My condolences to each of you. I am so sorry for your loss. Each of you are in my prayers.
February 5, 2014
Patsy and Family,
Our hearts break for yours and the loss of a great husband and father. What a man that led such a sweet family. Keeping you all in a prayer at such a time of loss. Fred is smiling down on all of you in perfect peace.
love you guys, Gary and Terry Parent
February 5, 2014
Fred always enjoyed discussing the Bible with us. He was the "go to" person. Ed said he will never forget the SS lesson on the eye. Fred was also very current on Biblical prophesy.
Our prayers are with your family. Love, Ed and Perk
Madeleine Pabis
February 5, 2014
Patsy and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.May God Bless you all
Douglas & Cheryl Gross
February 5, 2014
We were very surprised. Sorry we lost touch with you.
February 5, 2014
Dear Patsy and Family,
I am very sorry about the passing of Fred. I will be praying for all of you. May God's Peace and Love bring you Comfort during this time.
Sincerely,
Sean Lehmann
kelley babylon
February 5, 2014
I hate sayin the same thing everyone else is saying....its repititous no matter how genuine but all the same I'm sorry. I didn't know Fred very well but I took care of his mom when she was still alive and went to hs with his kids so I know the family. Patsy, Katie, Emma, Caleb, Molly I can never understand a loss like yours. No one so close to me has passed but my heart breaks for all of you. All the status's on fb the last few weeks have really both ripped me apart and uplifted me so much. You all have so much faith and peace and positivity through it all. You are all on my mind and in my prayers. Again I am truely sorry for your loss
February 4, 2014
Our prayers are with you and your family. May He hold you close until you meet again. Larry and Ginnie Hughes
February 4, 2014
Drake family, Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are fortunate that we can rest assured we will see him in heaven. What a glorious day that will be. It doesn't help with the pain and suffering we go through here on earth, however to know he absent from us here and now present with the Lord brings tears of joy to my face. I truly care for you all and am praying for you during this very difficult time. All our love The Millers (Ruth, Tim, Jocelyn and Alyssa Miller)
February 4, 2014
We love the Drakes so much and Fred was such a shining example of Christ's love. Thank you for the example !
Lauri Koen
February 4, 2014
I worked many years with Fred at the USPS in Elmira. He was quiet but had a great sense of humor. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Wayne and Penny Wheeler
February 4, 2014
We just want to say thank you for all you have meant to us and our family. We have so many memories and will cherish every one. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all, may God comfort you and strengthen you during this time. Fred is now RIP - rejoicing in paradise and we look forward to seeing him again someday.
Jim & Mary Jane Russell
February 4, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you throughout this difficult time. How wonderful to know that you will see Fred again in Heaven for Eternity. May the memories you share help to sustain you throughout the days ahead. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
Lisa Hill
February 4, 2014
Praying for you all as you say goodbye to a wonderful and godly man. His legacy truly lives on in the beautiful family he has left behind. May God comfort you.
Rhonda Roemer-Stephani
February 4, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Fred's passing, but am so glad to know exactly where he is right now, in our Saviour's arms! He was such a wonderful, godly man and I am so glad I had the privelage to know him. I will be praying for all of you. You are all so loved!
Sue & Sonny VanDusen
February 4, 2014
All our sympathies to your family.Prayers to your family. Remember God is watching over your family now and always.
Shari Root
February 4, 2014
Prays go out to Fred's family he will b missed.. He was a great easy going guy n loved working with him in automation at the Post Office...RIP Freddie !!!
Schoeffler Family
February 4, 2014
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of your dear family. May God give you comfort and peace, as only He can give. Be assured of our prayers for all of you at this time. Psalm 23, John 14:1-6
Jim Keck
February 4, 2014
Fred will be missed by many-He was a great friend and a great companion while I was growing up.Heaven is now a better place.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in Frederick Drake's name
Memorial Events
for Frederick Drake
Funeral services provided by:
James D. Barrett Funeral Home & Cremations1004 Lake Street, Elmira, NY 14901
How to support Frederick's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Frederick Drake's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
