Services for Ralph Alan Drake, 89, Lawrence, will be private. Inurnment will take place in Leavenworth National Cemetery.
Mr. Drake died August 26, 2021, at his home.
He was born September 30, 1931, in Lawrence, the son of Jay Franklin and Josephine Beckner Drake. He graduated from high school and earned a bachelor’s degree from Bethany College, where he played football. Mr. Drake has lived in Lawrence most of his life.
Mr. Drake served in the United States Navy during the Korean War as an airplane mechanic. He was stationed in Virginia and Cuba. He taught middle school history and math, as well as coaching basketball and football.
Ralph enjoyed fishing, making lures, stock car and Indy racing, KU basketball and football.
Survivors include a brother, Melvin Drake and wife Donita, of Lawrence; nephew, Brian Drake of Kansas City, Missouri; and brother in law, Jim Dwyer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jay Willis Drake; and sister, Virginia Dwyer.
