Log in

Submit a memorial

Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that’s as independent as they were – in the Daily Independent and on YourValley.net. Share fond memories, photos and information on celebrations of life using our easy, step-by-step process.


Robert Cramer Drake

Posted

United States Navy, Retired

On January 23, 2020 SCPO Robert Cramer Drake sailed away to Heaven aboard the USS Claud Jones (DE-1033)

Bob was born on April 18, 1930 to the late Cecil Cramer Drake and Elizabeth Ellen Foley in Newark, NJ. He resided in Brooklyn, NY until the age of six at which time the family moved to Eldridge, MD. He graduated from Elkridge High School in 1948 and joined the Navy from which he received many, many meritorious commendations. His tours of duty took him from Jacksonville, FL and around the world to his final destination Pearl Harbor, HI. He sailed aboard the USS Requisite (AGS-18), USS Ashland LSD 1, USS Maury (AGS-16), USS Serrano (AGS-24), and the USS Claud Jones (DE-1033).

After 22 years in the Navy he retired and became a Claims Adjustor/Inspector for Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance Company for another 22 years. Following that retirement, he moved to Sun City West, AZ where he resided for the past 30 years and loved every moment of his life in the desert.

Bob was a proud member of the USO, 50 years with Fleet Reserve Association, American Legion Post 0062 in Peoria, AZ, lifetime member of BPOE 2559 in Sun City, AZ, the PA Club and Briarwood Country Club.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 28 years, Betty (Johnson); his son, Rev. Daniel R. (Eileen) Drake of Lima, NY; his daughter, Donna J. Worthy of Ithaca, NY; and his sister, Faith (Doug) Dodge of Charleston, SC. Bob is also blessed with a bonus daughter, Linda (Chris) Fridley of Glen Burnie, MD and two fur babies, Kammie and Kodie. He has five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his brother Richard (Mary Ellen) Drake and sister Patricia (Richard) Boyd both of Pasadena, MD.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley (Surprise Campus), his caregiver team from Meridian Health Care Providers and all of the other medical professionals who cared for Bob over the years. Thank you for your tender and loving care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at Camino del Sol Funeral Chapel in Sun City West. Immediately following the service SCPO Drake will receive full military honors at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona; 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, (Cave Creek) AZ.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley Fund Dev; 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.