Danny Joe Drake
Passed: April 21, 2023
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Danny Joe Drake
Passed: April 21, 2023
Obituary
Danny Joe Drake of Glendale, Arizona passed away April 21, 2023 at the age of 76. He was born April 11, 1947 in Amma, West Virginia to Virgil and Katherine (neé Hess) Drake.
Danny was a proud veteran of the United States Navy have served from 1971 to 1998. He retired as a Navy Senior Chief. His favorite quote came from the most famous sailor of all time … Popeye. “I yam what I yam.” He lived by that motto. He was a patriot who traveled the world through the Navy and across America as a truck driver. True to his motto, he loved classic western movies, southern cooking (especially biscuits with gravy, and grits), and reloading bullets as a hobby. He also loved his dogs Bowser and Fuzz with whom he is now reunited.
His proudest achievements were his time in the Navy and his family. He loved to spend time with his kids and attending any activity where his grandkids were involved. Danny was known as an easy-going man who was loving and nurturing. He gave the best advice, and was always there when we needed him. He was patient and authentic and always followed through with his word. But he was no stranger to laughter. He loved to make other people laugh with his jokes, wit, and sarcasm.
He is survived by his wife, best friend, and partner in crime of 30 years Marissa Drake, children Tom, Elizabeth, Amanda, Mary, Bobby, and Ann, sons-in-law Kyle and Travis, and Daughters-in-law Teresa, and Alexis. He is also survived by his grandchildren Dylan, Syrene, Devin, Ebony, Damien, Beau, Kailo, Gavyn, Laurali, Mackenzie, Kayla, Samantha (Taylor), and Shelleah (Colton), and great-grandchildren Ellie, Teagan, Madilyn, Amelia, Brooklyn, and Talyn.
A visitation will be held from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, April 29 at Thompson Funeral. Burial will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 10am on Thursday, May 4.
6 responses to Danny Joe Drake
Betty J Sanders says:
April 28, 2023
Family,
Even Now, God goes before you.. to make a way..to give you strength…to reveal His love.
We wish you “strength” for the tough days, “comfort” for the quiet days and “assurance” that every day
you are thought of and prayed for.
Our sympathy and Love to all of you, Grandma and Grandpa Sanders
Ed Carpenter says:
April 29, 2023
Marissa and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Danny and I both served in the Navy and we became better friends due to that fact. He was a nice classmate back in Spencer and he has many friends that share in your grief. Fair winds and following seas my ole friend, may you rest in peace.
Jane Batton Wyatt says:
April 29, 2023
So saddened to hear of Danny’s passing. We shared homeroom and classes together at Spencer High School. He was always so nice and a lot of fun..Although we lost touch over the years I still thought about him, I would get out my old Rupicola and go through it occasionally and think about the students I knew for those 4 yrs. and beyond..So sorry that he is gone but enjoyed reading about his life. He was an amazing man and sounds like he enjoyed life completely. Condolences to his family…Prayers for peace and comfort..Rest In Peace Danny.
Kimberly King says:
May 1, 2023
I see from reading the obituary that he didn’t change any from the years I knew him in high school. My prayers are with you in this loss. Here are my favorite words that I want to leave with you at this time: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Kim King
James Moore says:
May 15, 2023
Marissa and Family,
“It was a privilege and honor to Serve with Danny. He was an incredibly smart and thoughtful Shipmate. May his memory live on forever.”
J. P. and Sofia Moore
HTCS(SW) USN Retired