Ronald Dale Drake of Jerseyville Obituary

Jerseyville 01/05/2013

Ronald Dale Drake, 69, died at 6:57 p.m., Saturday, January 5, 2013 in the emergency room at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville.

Ron was born on Sept. 1, 1943, in Alton to the late Austin M. Drake & Dorothy L. (Maple) Drake-McBride.

Upon graduation from high school in St. Louis, Mo., Ron joined the United States Navy and served our nation honorably from 1960-1962.

After his tenure in the Navy, Ron began working as a deckhand for various barge lines and later became employed with Sports Tap in Alton, where he retired due to illness in 2008 after many years of service.

Ron was an avid sports fan and particularly enjoyed watching and cheering on his favorite teams- the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his spare time he loved to read western and mystery novels and was a gifted harmonica player, showcasing his talents in several bands throughout the area.

Surviving are eight brothers & their spouses, Gary Drake, Harold & Barbara McBride, James & Rhonda McBride, Brian McBride, Bill & Carla McBride,Lloyd & Kathy McBride, and Ed & Becky McBride; seven sisters & their spouses, Mary Henrion, Phyllis & Steve Inlow, Helen & CJ Springer, Barbara & Wyman Markle, Patricia Marshall, Debbie & Terry Lane, and Dixie & Keith Chaplear; along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant sisters; and a brother in law, Francis "Frank" Henrion on Dec. 21, 2012.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place.

Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of the arrangements

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home

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Ronald Dale Drake

Jerseyville 01/05/2013