Wallace E. Drake

Wallace E. Drake, 70, of Battle Creek, died on Monday, October 9, 2006, at his home.Mr. Drake was born on August 17, 1936, in Kalamazoo to Walter and Frances (McCloud) Drake. He attended Hastings schools. Mr. Drake served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1957. On September 14, 1974 he married the former Barbara Lake in Bellevue. She survives.Mr. Drake worked years as crane operator for Grand Truck Railroad picking up trains that have derailed for 32 years retiring in 1997. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and watching Stockcar racing at area tracks. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed cheering on his favorite driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. Mr. Drake enjoyed spending time with his family, especially time spent with his grandchildren.He is survived by his wife Barbara of Battle Creek, eight sons; Wallace (Tina) Drake Jr. of Battle Creek, Michael Drake of Battle Creek, Duane( Tammy) Odette of Bellevue, Earl(Jan) Odette, Mike (Kim) Odette of Battle Creek, Jeff (Kerry) Odette of TN, Rick (Pam) Odette of Battle Creek, and Terry (Carmen) Odette of Bellevue. Five daughters, Tina (Jeff) Day, Lisa (Greg) Kilbourn, Tina Boden, Tracy (Jim) Guilford, and Katrina (Rodney) Rapp all of Battle Creek. He is also survived by 33 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, six brothers, two sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents a brother and a sister.Visitation will take place at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2:00pm-8:00pm with family present to receive friends from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm. Funeral services will take place at 1:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home with Celebrant Robert Doner officiating. Interment will follow in Assyria Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home.