Obituary of Thomas Richard Drake

Thomas Richard Drake of 129 Madison Court, Jasper, GA, passed away at The Retreat in Jasper on April 15, 2021 at the age of 81. Tom (Tippy) Drake was born July 1, 1939 in Syracuse, NY to Thomas Francis Drake and Margaret (Meere) Drake. He was raised in Syracuse and joined the Marine Corp at the age of 17. He was a proud veteran and served in Morocco, North Africa 3 years from 1957 thru 1959.  After serving in the Marine Crop he returned to Syracuse where he joined the Syracuse police department.

Tom worked for Smith Corona, Kardex, Sperry, and Unisys in New York, Ohio, and Minnesota. He married Jo Ann (Stringer) on Aug 2, 1980. He retired early from Unisys and he and Jo bought a farm in Catawba, WI, where they lived for 32 years.  The farm was their pride and joy, and will always be considered “Home.” He was the founder of 5r Processors in 1988.

 He and Jo enjoyed watching Syracuse Orange NCAA basketball games, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Minnesota Vikings and especially the Green Bay Packers NFL games.

Tom is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jo Ann (Stringer), and a sister, Mary (Jim) Kennedy.

He is survived by 5 children; Thomas Drake, Sheila Drake, Joseph Drake, Daniel Drake, and Nicole Kavanagh. There are 7 grandchildren, Brandon Drake, Katie Drake, Emma Drake, Daniel Drake, Taylor Drake, Kinsey Kavanagh and Haley Kavanagh. There are 2 great grandchildren.

He is survived by three step children, Jodi Madaus, Marci Simons, and Rick (Karen) Lybeck. 3 step grandchildren Joseph Simons, Nora Lybeck, and Klara Lybeck.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Margaret (Peg) LaHart, a brother, James (Beanie) Drake, his father & mother in law, Kenny & Irene Stringer, his brothers in law, Thomas Carlisle and Ken Stringer, and his sister in law, Colleen Stringer.

“In Their Honor” funeral home in Jasper is handling the arrangements.

Because of travel distance and the Covid pandemic, there will be no service at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Georgia Mountain Hospice in Jasper would be appreciated. The family wants to thank Georgia Mountain Hospice and the staff at The Retreat for their loving respectful care.

Please visit the “In Their Honor” website to view and sign guestbook.