In Memory of

Warren

Simeon

Drake

Obituary for Warren Simeon Drake

Warren Simeon Drake, Sr. of Aberdeen, Washington, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2017. He was 83 years old. Born at the family home in Elma, Washington, on July 17, 1933, to Simeon Silver Drake and Maybelle (Covey) Drake Koons, he was the last of eight children, and the second son. He spent the majority of his life in Aberdeen. At the age of 14 he met the former Mary May Alviar, who became the love of his life. They were married on January 8, 1955.

Warren attended Weatherwax High School, graduating in June of 1952. In February of 1953, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He completed initial Marine training in San Diego, California, followed by a nine-week “boot-camp” at Camp Pendleton, California. Warren never saw active duty, but for a time was stationed at Itami, Japan. He was discharged in May of 1956. While Warren didn’t make a career out of the military, the training and discipline he received as a Marine had a profound impact on his life.

After being discharged from the Marines, Warren went to work for JJ Robinson selling furniture and appliances. In July of 1964 he started working at Major Line Products in the frame making department making cabinets. Seeing an opportunity for advancement, in September of 1964, Warren left Major Lines and went to work for JC Penney as a men’s selling specialist. Around Aberdeen he became known as “the suit specialist.” After 32 years, Warren retired on April 30, 1996. After a year of retirement he went to work part-time for Waugh’s Men’s and Women’s Apparel. He stayed there for eight years until illness required him to retire a second time.

Warren loved fishing and in his younger years fished as often as he could, usually with his wife and children in tow. He and Mary were also bit by the traveling bug after a 25th wedding anniversary vacation to Reno, Nevada. Several trips to Reno and Las Vegas followed, as well as numerous trips to Hawaii and two Alaskan cruises. After his retirement, Warren and Mary also enjoyed weekly trips to some of the local casinos.

Warren is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary M. Drake, his daughters and sons in-law Debra and David Windell, Pamela and Daniel Baer, and his son Warren S. Drake, Jr.; five grandchildren, Ty, Shamus and Alexa Drake, and Billiant and Simeon Baer; sisters Peggy Perkins and Rosemary Martin; sisters in-law Gwen Keller (Roger), Clara Moody (Sam), Nick Alviar (Shari Denzer), Gary Alviar (Carrie), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Simeon and Maybelle; step-father Earl Koons; brother Robert Drake, sisters Geraldine Grine, Lauretta Valentino, Dorothy Towle and Dolores Paterson.

A celebration of life will be held at Noon, Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Harrison Family Mortuary, 311 W Market St, Aberdeen, WA. Immediately following the celebration those wishing to participate will walk in a ‘New Orleans-style send-off’ to the reception being held at St. Mary Parish Center, 306 E Third St, Aberdeen, WA, as per Warren’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Mary Drake Scholarship Fund, 518 North H St, Aberdeen, WA 98520, In Memory of Warren S. Drake, Sr.

Affiliations


Good Conduct Medal

Korean Service Medal

National Defense Service Medal

United Nations Service Medal

U S Marine Corps