John P. Drake Jr.

John Pendel Drake, Jr., age 56, went to be with our Lord on Friday, October 24, 2014. John passed away in his Dublin home after a year-long battle with melanoma cancer. He was born in 1958 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Nancy (deceased) and John P. Drake, Sr., of Dexter, Michigan. John is also survived by his wife Alohna; daughters Emily of Dublin (grandson Jacob) and Karen of Dublin (granddaughter Kamryn); stepchildren: Evan, Caleb and Audra; brothers: Jeff (Jeannette), of Flint, Michigan and Randy (Judy), of Morresville, Indiana; nieces Sarah and Beth; nephews Eric and Charlie. He has many close extended family members including the Loeprichs many of which annually gather at Moose Horn Lodge, Canada. John graduated from Worthington High School, Class of 1976. He served in the United States Air Force from 1979-1992. During his service he received many service and leadership medals and ribbons. He served his country in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and was also stationed in Germany, Alaska, Florida and Utah. He was named “Beast” in their football games. John was an employee of Armstrong World Industries for over 20 years where he received several awards as an employee and as a manager. As an Environmental, Health & Safety Manager, he holds the record for the longest period of OSHA non-recordable injuries for the entire corporation. John was a master fisherman -winning contests and has fishing all over the United States and overseas. He was a member of Lifepoint Church in Hilliard, Ohio and other community organizations. He was blessed with the incredible support and friendship which he received from these groups. He has also resided in Worthington and Hilliard. John was a 6’3” vivacious man who was full of life every day. He was a fierce outdoorsman. He was bold in his conversation and passionate about his interaction with people. He impacted many lives during his time with us. He is an unforgettable person who will live in our hearts and memories forever. He looks forward to seeing us in Heaven. John wants lots of flowers at his service and they can be sent to LIFEPOINT CHURCH, 3915 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43221 where visitation and funeral services will be held. His family will welcome guests from 3:00-6:00p.m. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014 at the church and his Funeral Service will immediately follow at 6:00p.m. with Pastor Brad Kochis, officiating. Family and friends are also welcome to attend his burial at Dayton National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 where Military Honors will be rendered. In addition to flowers, friends are asked to consider a memorial donation to further research for NRAS melanoma cancer-the resistant strain that afflicted him. John was part of two trials and donated tissue and blood for research. Please consider a donation to: MRF: Melanoma Research Foundation (and mark “In Tribute to John P. Drake”) www.kintera.org/site/c.fwK2Lo04LIK8F/b.8720503/k.2B16/Donate Now/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp. Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 W. Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065 (614)-792-1471 is assisting the family. We invite you to leave a condolence and/or share your favorite story of John on this webpage.