Melvyn E. Drake March 28, 1924 - May 5, 2011 Melvyn "Mel" E. Drake of Waco passed away Thursday, May 5, 2011. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 9, at White Hall Cemetery with Rev. Richard Roland officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, May 8, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Mel was born March 28, 1924, in Rosebud, Texas, to James and Reba Drake. He graduated high school in Ft. Worth and attended TCU. He was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps. He retired as a local agent with State Farm Insurance in 1999. Upon retirement, Mel worked for the Providence Auxiliary as a volunteer in the Cardio Surgical Department. Mel was a member of Central Christian Church in Waco. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 64 years, Betty Graham Drake; brother, James Drake; and grandson, Trevor Bussey. Mel is survived by his four daughters, Sherry Ricks and husband, Henry, Jan Jolly and husband, Allen, Joan Drake and Tracy Bussey; grandchildren, David Graves, Lindsay Turner, James Maguire, Caitlin Maguire, Jordan Drake, Marley Goodwin and Luke Bussey; six great grandchildren; and his sister, Joyce Norwood and husband, Joe. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.
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