George Francis Drake

George Francis, son of Rod and Sadie (Long) Drake, was born March 15, 1935 at home on the farm in rural Guthrie County, Iowa. He attended country school in Orange Township and then graduated from Bayard High School in 1953. He farmed south of Bayard and then worked for Oscar Meyer in Perry. On June 22, 1957, George was united in marriage with Joy Lee Thompson at the First Christian Church in Guthrie Center. Five children were born to this union. George continued farming and working in Perry. George and Joy were a team throughout their lives always working together, even after retirement' when they worked at Garst in Coon Rapids. They also did yard work in the summer and snow removal in the winter months. They had moved into Bayard in 1976. George was a devoted Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed going to Prairie Meadows. He tended a large garden when he was able and played cards, especially Euchre and Cribbage. Above all he loved family gatherings. Joy was diagnosed with cancer in 1998 and died March 5, 1999 at the age of 59 years. George continued to live in Bayard until his health began to fail. He moved to Maxwell and then lived with his daughter in Ankeny to be nearer his other children. George was treated again for cancer in mid 2010. In November of 2011 he became a resident of Israel Hospice House in Ames where he died December 25, 2011 at the age of 76 years, 9 months and 10 days. Preceding him in death are his parents; wife Joy; three brothers Joe, Sam and Roland Drake and sister Etta Dillinger; and granddaughter Katelyn Joy Shelledy George is survived by his five children: Pam and her husband Roger Williams of Slater; Raynette and her husband Tim Corsaut of Nevada; Bob Drake and his wife Mickey of Wall Lake; Randy Drake and his wife Michele of Ankeny; Kelly Drake and Joe Jones of Ankeny; 10 grand-children: Jacque (Tristan) Gingerich; Cory Williams; Michala (Sean) Becthold; Danielle Corsaut; Lacie Corsaut; Sara (Adam) Joines; Kevin Drake; Kolyn Drake; Joshua Shelledy and Jordan Shelledy; 3 great-grandchildren Cameron and Landon Joines and Kinsley Gingerich; sister Violet Weigel of Carroll and by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Alison Ohde River, Celebrant Recorded Music "The Old Rugged Cross" "On Eagle's Wings" Josh Groban "Wings of a Dove" Ferlin Husky "How Great Thou Art" Carrie Underwood Casket Bearers Joe Drake John Drake Jim Drake Jerry Drake Brian Drake Allen Long