Obituary of Donald J. Drake

DRAKE Donald J. Jr. Age 69 of Horseheads , NY passed away on Monday July 30 , 2012 at The Chemung County Nursing Facility . Donald was born December 17 , 1942 in Elmira , NY the son of the late Donald J. and Frances A. Bennett Drake Sr. He graduated from Horseheads High School and enlisted in The U.S. Navy and he proudly served his country during The Vietnam War and continued his service after active duty in The U. S. Naval Reserves. Don married his wife , Linda K. Searfoss Drake on December 4 , 1965 and they recently celebrated their 46th Wedding Anniversary on December 4 , 2011. He was a member of The Horseheads American Legion Post # 442 . Don was a member and Past Master of Big Flats Lodge # 378 F.& A.M. Don was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting , fishing , and playing golf . Don was a retired employee of Corning Inc. with several years of dedicated service . He loved his family and friends and treasured the time he spent with them. Don is survived by his wife of 46 years Linda K. Searfoss Drake ; son and daughter-in-law : Robert D. & Yvonne Drake of Horseheads , NY ; daughter : Kathleen A. Drake of Mooresville , NC ; granddaughter : Sara E. Drake of Horseheads , NY ; sister and brother-in-law: Phyllis & George Haskell of Cortland , NY ; brothers and sisters-in-law : William B. & Beverly "Bunny" Drake of Montour Falls , NY and Thomas F. & Peggy Drake of Horseheads , NY ; several nieces , nephews , cousins , and a host of caring friends . Relatives and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS , NY on Thursday August 2 , 2012 from 6-8 PM. Officers and members of Big Flats Lodge # 378 F.&A.M. will conduct a Memorial Service at the Funeral Home on Thursday August 2, 2012 at 8 PM for their Departed Brother and Past Master. Mr. Drake's Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday August 3 , 2012 at 10 AM . Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads , NY where Full Military Honors will be accorded Mr. Drake. Flowers are acceptable or those wishing may remember Don through memorials to The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory 2150 Bleecker Street Utica, NY 13501.