Wendell W. Drake

Wendell Willkie Drake, 83, of St. Albans, West Virginia left to be with the Lord on March 16, 2024 after an extended illness. He was born in Amma, West Virginia on September 8, 1940, to the late James Franklin Drake and Mildred Lucy Reed Drake. He was also preceded in death by sister Jacqueline Drake Clepper and brother Raymond A. Drake. Wendell graduated from Spencer High School in 1958 where he was the center of the basketball team. He enlisted into the U.S. Army the following year. He married Patricia R. O’Brien on August 19th, 1961. After completing his service obligations, Wendell and Patricia moved from Spencer to South Charleston and then to St. Albans. He worked passionately throughout his life, from being a UAW local president to being a carpenter. He retired from Kanawha County Schools in 2000. He was especially passionate about his faith, and he expressed this right from his profession of faith on March 22, 1980 by teaching Sunday School and fulfilling various Church offices including being elected as a deacon. He was always a big fan of sports, particularly of West Virginia University. He loved to hunt deer with his brothers and friends. Wendell is survived by his wife Patricia R. Drake of St. Albans: sons Bruce Drake of St. Albans and Jeffrey Drake of St. Albans; sisters Patsy Flensborg of Vienna and Helen Perrow (Ed) of Lilburn, GA; brothers Foster Drake (Mary Louise) of Anderson, SC, Harlan Drake (Phyllis) of Spencer, David Drake (Carmen) of San Antonio TX and Ernest Drake of Mineral Wells; grandson Andrew Drake of Charleston; and many other extended family, church family, and friends. The Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 Noon Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor John Koster officiating. Burial will be at Eventide Cemetery, Spencer, West Virginia. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. One may visit Wendell’s tribute page by visiting BartlettNichols.com to share condolences or memories with the family. Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue is honored to serve the Drake family.

Wendell W. Drake

September 8, 1940 - March 16, 2024