Daniel Drake
Dan Drake of Westwood, Kansas, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012, at age 72 after a long illness.
He is preceded in death by his parents F.O. & Mary Drake of Hannibal; his sister Erma Lee Robinson of Jefferson City and brother Frank Drake Jr. of Jefferson City.
He is survived by longtime companion Rebecca Rowland; and three children, Amy Rote of Prairie Village, Jeff Drake of Los Angeles, California, and Elizabeth Hunt of Shawnee. Dan also had five grandchildren that he was crazy about, Joe and Erin Pearce, Caitlin and Sarah Hunt, and Milo Drake.
Dan was born in Hannibal, Missouri in 1939 and graduated from the University of Missouri in 1962 with a degree in Journalism. In 1965, Dan took a job with Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, where he worked for the next 30 years. In his retirement, Dan was a founding member of both the Heroes of Golf Society (or HOGS) and the Golf Club Investment Club (GCIC), which might lead one to believe he was an avid golfer. But Dan’s friends were probably bigger fans of golf than Dan, who more enjoyed the travel and camaraderie that went along with it.
Dan was a lifelong Mizzou fan but complained very little when two of his children and two of his grandchildren ended up attending KU. The fact that surrounding himself with family meant surrounding himself with Jayhawks fans was a fact that Dan endured with great dignity.
Dan will most be remembered for his wit and intelligence. He loved nothing more than a good laugh. Most who knew him would agree that memories of Dan are memories filled with laughter. He leaves behind a loving family and a long list of close friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Visitations and Graveside Service
Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m., Friday, January 27, 2012, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. There will be a visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the Greening Eagan Hayes Funeral Home, 401 S. Center Street, Shelbina, Missouri 63468. Following the Shelbina visitation, the burial will be at the Looney Creek Cemetery, near Shelbyville, Missouri. There will be an informal Celebration of Dan’s Life hosted by his friends from noon-3, Sunday, January 29, 2012, at Sutera’s, 4730 Rainbow, Westwood, KS 66205.
Memorial Contributions
Memorial donations can be made to the Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64145.
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Daniel Wade Drake brought gifts to many lives. He will not be forgotten.
PEACE, PRAYERS, BLESSINGS
I was saddened to hear the news of Dan’s passing. I worked with him years ago in the Licensing department. His humor will be missed.
Dan was my baseball coach for Broadway National Bank when I was growing up in KC. He taught me a lot about life through baseball. Prayers and blessings.
Dan was the fastest, funniest person I ever knew. Thanks for all the smiles and friendship, old buddy. You were really something.
This news leaves a big ol’ hole in my heart. Dan was best man at my wedding, and best man at being the funniest, smartest, craziest, wily-est… and in many ways the “bestest” boss I ever had.
I will miss him so much.
The world has lost a great mind and an even greater wit. Danny was my colleague and friend at Hallmark for many years. Together we logged many hundreds of thousands of air miles during the ’80s. He kept me entertained with that razor-like humor and peerless wordsmithing. Nary a day passes that my daughters and I don’t call up one or more famous “Dan-isms.”
Miss him already.
Jim McDowell
Dan. will be missed by many, he was a great man and mentor. I played for Dan as a little boy in little league. Dan once sat me under a tree in little league and told me I needed to get my head in the game or I was out. What guts as a coach, and a family friend. I never forgot that day and it has helped me succeed in life. God Bless You!
Brad Ehlers
I never met Dan, but I wish I could have had the opportunity to know him. He was the greatt-grandson of Frank Drake, one of several men killed during the civil war in the “Macon Massacre”. Because I didn’t receive the news of Dan’s passing until last evening, I was not able to attend any of the visitations/services.My sincere condolences to his family and friends. I will visit his resting place in Shelby County this Spring.
I was so saddened to hear of Dan’s death. I worked for Dan during the 80′s and he was “the big brother, I didn’t ever have”. What a wonderful boss and friend. Even though we haven’t talked I think about all the wonderful days he provided in my life and many others. You will be missed by many Dan. Thanks for all the joy you provided so many people. My condolences to your entire family.
Ruthann Wingate
Ruthann Wingate
I was so saddened to hear of Dan’s death. I worked for Dan during the 80′s and he was “the big brother, I didn’t ever have”. What a wonderful boss and friend. Even though we haven’t talked I think about all the wonderful days he provided in my life and many others. You will be missed by many Dan. Thanks for all the joy you provided so many people. My condolences to your entire family.
Ruthann Wingate
Dan was a unique guy to say the least–funny, a great laugh, witty, smart and always kind. I would bet John Shaw, Gary Britt and he are sharing some wonderful stories right now! I have very fond memories of him. My condolences to his family.
Emil Kornfeind