Ernest D. Drake, 92, of Greenville and formerly of Ansonia, passed away Thursday evening, July 8, 2010 at Heartland of Greenville.
He was born in Patterson Township, Darke County son of the late Elmer and Opal (Sanders) Drake. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary B. (Jenkinson) Drake on December 1, 2008; a son-in-law, Edward Flory; and brothers, Homer, Walter,Linn and infant Robert Drake.
Ernest in his early years was a farmer and an employee of Ansonia Lumber Company. In 1959 the family moved to Ansonia. Ernest was employed by Ansonia Local Schools for many years as a Custodian and School Bus Driver. He also worked for Tom Haworth Construction, and the Darke County Highway Department where he retired.
He was one of the original group of Fire Fighters for Rossburg and also the Ansonia Fire and Rescue for many years. He was a member of Rossburg United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his daughters, Darlene Flory of Arcanum and Dinah (Jerry) Worley of Canton, MI; grandchildren, Michael (Gwen) Flory, Debbie (Bill) Metzner, Jason (Jackie) Worley, Justin (Lesley) Worley, Carey (John) Travis, Abbey (Johnny) Sanchez; great grandchildren, Emma and Sara Flory, Amber Metzner, Noah and Ryan Worley, Anna and Lila Sanchez, Megan Travis; and brother, Wayne Drake of California.
Services will be held at the Oliver-Floyd Funeral Home in Greenville Monday, July 12, 2010 at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Harvey Koch and nephew Ronnie Drake officiating. Burial will follow in the Teegarden Cemetery near Ansonia.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday, from 2-4 p.m. The family requests that memorial contributions be given to the Ansonia Fire or Rescue.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.oliverfloyd.com.
