Richard Drake, 87

Richard Drake, 87, passed away Monday, Aug 24, 2020, at his home in Radcliffe, Iowa. A flowing visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Radcliffe. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Burial of Dick's cremated remains will follow in the Radcliffe Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post #317 of Radcliffe. The wearing of masks is suggested and social distancing guidelines should be respected at both functions. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Radcliffe American Legion Post #317 or Radcliffe Emergency Services. Boeke Funeral Home of Radcliffe is in charge of arrangements. For more information and online condolences go to: www.boekefuneralhomes.com.

Richard “Dick” Robert Drake was born March 30, 1933, to Carroll and Rachael Drake. He was one of four children: Jean, Dick, Bob, and Chuck. Dick grew up in Radcliffe and graduated from Radcliffe Community School in 1950. He then attended Wentworth Military Academy and began to pursue his love of flight. After graduating Wentworth, he continued his education at Southern Methodist University earning a bachelor’s degree in finance. He graduated in 1954, and entered the United States Air Force as an officer. He proudly served until 1957 and remembered fondly his times flying a T33 Shooting Star, and the lifelong friends he made.

Dick returned to Radcliffe, his hometown, and the place he would spend the remaining entirety of his life. He began working at Security State Bank with his dad. He then met Phyllis Ann Fink from Fairbank, Iowa, on a blind date while bowling. They were married on Jan. 25, 1959, less than a year after meeting. Dick and Phyllis were blessed with three children in quick order: Cindy, Bryan, and Ed. Dick loved playing with his children from the time they were born - wrestling in the living room, water gun fights, teaching them golf, weekends at Clear Lake, even taking up ballooning competitions with his family as crew. His family benefitted from his carefully chosen words, his gentle nature, and his steady provision through all the years. He took pleasure when his children married: Cindy to Kirk Shirar, Bryan to Maggie Bruner, and Ed to Joy Woodworth. He was lucky enough to be called Grandpa six times over. He spent time playing and traveling with his grandchildren, Sarah (husband Tyler), Jacob, Rachael (fiancé Ross), Hannah, Jonathan, and Joe. They were a true gift to him.

Dick continued to work at the bank until this past year. In the 1960s he invested in the Radcliffe Telephone Company later adding cable and internet services to keep rural Radcliffe at the forefront. He believed in giving back to his hometown. He was an active member of Kiwanis, a founding member of the Radcliffe Development Corporation, and one of a small group creating the Radcliffe Friendly Fairways. He was the mayor for 19 years, helped startup the Radcliffe volunteer ambulance service and was among the early volunteers, as well as numerous other community service projects.

At all times, he pursued flight. Dick constructed the Drake Airport on the east edge of Radcliffe. The Road Runner Flying Club followed which is the longest active flying club in the state of Iowa to this day. He added Soaring and Seaplane ratings to his certification, but ballooning caught and kept his interest. He spent many weekends floating the skies of Iowa and competing in multiple local and national championships. Dick was ultimately recognized by the Washington, D.C., Smithsonian Institute for his contributions to aviation.

Dick grew up going to the Radcliffe Methodist Church. He did not attend nor profess faith until recently. God in his unending mercy gave him so many chances to turn back. God also gave his family the blessing of sharing their testimonies. Dick confessed his need for a Savior in the past year. He requested to be baptized as a Christian. He loved the joy of the life God provided him. He was also finally ready to go home.

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