Mr. Drake was a data base administrator for Monsanto before his retirement. He also worked in security for the United States Department of Agriculture. He was an active member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL, and served as president of the church council in 1978. Richard was on the Board of Directors of Citizens of the Disabled. He was an accomplished guitar player and Rick, along with his wife Diane, loved to dance. They were members of the St. Clair County Genealogical Society. Rick was a U.S. Air Force veteran.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren L. and Margaret B., nee Young, Drake.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Diane C., nee Bossler, Drake, whom he married on June 17, 1972, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL;
two sons, Mark (Mary Ann) Drake of Red Bud, IL, and John (Brenda) Drake of Greenville, NC;
a daughter, Amy Drake of Mascoutah, IL;
three grandchildren, Thomas, Tara, and Benjamin Drake;
two brothers, Dr. Gary Edward (Denise) Drake of Lakewood Ranch, FL, and Dr. Dean W. (Karen) Drake, both of Cedar Park, TX.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL., or to ALFA Foundation, Mascoutah, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 27, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2022, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2022, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Michelle Torigian officiating
Burial will be held at a later date.