James M. Drake, Sr.

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New Iberia"A Memorial Service honoring the life of James M. Drake, Sr., 81, will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. in David Funeral Home Chapel. Dr. Steve Horn, pastor of First Baptist Church of Lafayette, will officiate. Mr. Drakes family will receive visitors at 12:00 P.M. Tuesday in the funeral home. Interment of Mr. Drakes cremated remains will be held at a later date in Pennsylvania.

A resident of New Iberia, Mr. Drake went home to the Lord on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 5:09 P.M. at his home.

Mr. Drake was born in Jacksonville, FL to the late Benjamin C. and Della Drake of Dillsburg, PA. He resided in Dallas and Tyler, TX for most of his adult life, and retired to New Iberia. Mr. Drake was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. After serving his country, he played professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and was the former right fielder for the New Iberia Pelicans Baseball Team. Mr. Drake was a self-employed businessman and an active church member, using his business as a way to witness and share his faith. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason with a lifetime membership in the Eureka Lodge of Mechanicsburg, PA.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Drake was preceded in death by his former wife, Darlene J. Drake. Also preceding him in death were his brother, Ben C. Drake; and sisters, O. Virginia Crowding and Margaret D. Cromer.

Survivors include his sister, Frances D. Gable of Mechanicsburg, PA; children, James M. Drake, Jr. and wife, Cheryl of New Iberia, Susan D. Warren and husband, Patrick of Tomball, TX, Patty D. Williams and husband, Michael of New Iberia, Douglas Drake of New Iberia, Leslie Bachert of New Iberia, Paula Rudy and husband, Paul of Whitehouse, TX, and Rex Robertson and wife, Renee of Nevada, TX; and grandchildren, Melissa Drake, Kristi Drake, Clark Drake, Jessica Thibodaux, Paige Williams, Brandy Chavarria, Amanda Morish, Jason Warren, Ryan Warren, Courtney Warren, and Brandon Warren.

David Funeral Home of New Iberia, 1101 Trotter Street, 369-6336, is in charge of arrangements.