Dr. Phillip L. Drake, Jr., of Bloomington, died peacefully on Tuesday in Meadowood Retirement Home with his lovely wife Barbara by his side. Phillip was born in Bloomington on May 8, 1930 to the late Phillip and Dorothy (Solsberry) Drake. He was 87 years old. He lived in Bloomington until the age of 7 when his parents moved to St. Louis, MO. He came back to Bloomington when he was 19, met Barbara Bland who became his wife in 1951. They were happily married for 66 years.
Phillip was drafted into the US Army in September of 1951 and was sent for basic training to Camp Gordon, GA. He then spent 18 months in Korea. He came home to Bloomington where he attended Indiana University. While attending school, he worked as a barber in Shauntee Barber Shop, downtown Bloomington. After graduating from I.U. he attended dental school in Indianapolis while still working as a barber in Bloomington. He graduated in 1963 from dental school with a degree in oral surgery. After graduation, he and Barbara left for overseas duty as an officer in the US Air Force, taking care of many Vietnam veteran soldiers.
While in the Air Force, he and Barbara were stationed in the Philippines for 3 years, they came back to the states and served in Michigan, Denver Colorado, Fairbanks, Alaska, San Bernadino, California, Sacramento, California, back to Denver, back to the Philippines and finally, San Antonio, Texas. Phillip retired as a "Full Bird"Colonel after 40 years of service to his country from Lackland Air Force Base in 1993. He and Barbara settled in Bloomington to enjoy their retirement in 1993.
Dr. Drake was an avid golfer and became champion at Cascades Country Club. He also loved to bowl, play bridge and was President of the Bloomington Exchange Club where during his tenure was able to award to the Fireman of the Year award at St. Mark's United Methodist Church and the Policeman of the Year at Redbud Hill Retirement Community.
He is survived by his loving wife Barbara (Bland) Drake; his sister, Roselyn Drake Young; his brother, Harry Drake, his nephew Gregory P. Davis and his two nieces; Rose M. Walker and Rochele W. Young.
Phillip was preceded in death by his sister Phyllis (Drake) Davis, his brother Little John Drake and one brother-in-law, Richard W. Young, Jr.
Visitation for Dr. Drake will be on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home, 4150 E. Third St. Bloomington. The funeral mass will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2222 E. Third St. Bloomington, Indiana 47401. An additional visitation will be held prior to the mass from 10:00 a.m. until the service time at the church. Full military honors for Dr. Drake will be held in Rose Hill Cemetery, Bloomington.
Mrs. Drake wants to thank the caring nurses and staff at Meadowood, the I.U. Health Bloomington Hospital and Internal Medicine Associates for their excellent care of Dr. Drake during his illness.
Online condolences may be given to the family at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home.
2 Entries
October 2, 2017
Phil was a dear neighbor and friend. I always remember his beautiful smile and great stories. He is in my prayers. Gayle
September 29, 2017
Damian Dittmer
Phil was a great guy I always enjoyed talking with him, my best to Barbara you both will be in my prayers every day.,
Damian
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