Don L. Drake

February 12, 1937 - January 12, 2017

Don L. Drake, 79 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at his residence following a brief illness.

He was born on Friday, February 12, 1937 in Decatur, Indiana the son of the late Louis Clyde Drake and the late Orie Hulda (Richards) Drake.

Don was a veteran of the United States Army, serving as an MP (Military Police). He was honorably discharged following his service at the rank of Private.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #43 in Decatur. Don was a Master Mason for over 50 years in the Decatur Lodge F&A.M. #571. He was also a Mizpah Shriner in the Ft. Wayne Temple. Locally, Don was also involved as a member of the Decatur Moose Lodge #1311, Eagles Aerie #2653, and Elks Lodge #993.

Don was the owner / operator of Drake Cycle Shop in Decatur for 53 years. His involvement in motorcycles included the design and maintenance of racing motorcycles throughout the Eastern United States. In addition to his motorcycle business, he was employed at International Harvester in Ft. Wayne for 30+ years, retiring in 1982. In his spare time, he was outstanding in his field as a farmer.

Surviving are his brother, Max Drake of Berne and his sister, Shirley Schnepp of Decatur. Don was also survived by several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a great-great nephew who all look at him as their grandpa.

Preceding Don in death were a brother, John "Zelno" Drake and two sisters, Betty Knittle and Sherian Zeser.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur with Celebrant Molly Farthing officiating. Interment will follow in the Decatur Cemetery with graveside services to be conducted by the American Legion Post #43 Color Guard.

Friends will be received from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, January 16 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur. A Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Southern Care Hospice.