William "David" Drake

William “David” Drake, 79, of Nowata, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Bartlesville, surrounded by the love of family and the legacy of a life marked by faith, service, and generosity. David was born February 9, 1947, the oldest of five children born to Theodore E. Drake Sr. and Geneva Otha (Wren) Drake. David graduated from Mt. Zion High School in 1965, where he was a standout track athlete who won medals in hurdles. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1975. On February 17, 1968, David married the love of his life, Patricia A. Stafford, in Vinton, Louisiana. Their story began at a beach party in Panama City Beach, Florida, over the Fourth of July weekend in 1967. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and opening their home to those in need. Following college, David worked as a general engineer for Borg Warner in Decatur, Illinois, before beginning a long career in the tire industry with General Tire in Waco, Texas. Over the years, he served in engineering and plant leadership roles in Barnesville, Georgia; Bryan, Ohio; Muskogee, Oklahoma; and Salem, Virginia. He later worked for Kaiser Aluminum in Richmond, Virginia, and concluded his professional career as an Adjunct Professor at Virginia Western Community College in Salem, Virginia. He was also a Professional Engineer and earned Firefighter I & II certification from the Virginia Academy. David’s interests were as wide-ranging as his talents. He was involved in the Professional Engineers Association, Christian Motorcycle Association, BMW Riders Association, Goldwing Road Riders Association, and the Rockbridge Dragoons, 14th Virginia Cavalry Co. H. He participated in both Revolutionary War and Civil War cavalry reenactments, served as a chaplain for his reenactment group, and even appeared as an actor in the film Gods and Generals. More than anything, David had a deep passion for prison ministry. Through Bill Glass Prison Ministry, local Department of Corrections outreach in Virginia and Oklahoma, and volunteer service with Samaritan’s Purse and the Salvation Army, he faithfully shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with countless people. His heart for others was evident in the way he and Patricia opened their home to ex-offenders, struggling families, and anyone needing a place to stay and a chance to rebuild. David will be remembered for his steadfast faith, servant’s heart, adventurous spirit, and the love he shared so freely with everyone he met. David is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia A. Drake; his children, Katrina L. Hudson, Kristie L. Doyle, and Clifford D. Drake; sons-in-law, Robert Hudson and Brian Doyle; brothers, Theodore E. Drake Jr. and Wayne Drake; grandchildren, Jordan Phillips, Trevor Doyle, Kiana Doyle, Adrian Phillips, Chris Castillejos, Josh Phillips, Abbie Doyle, Sydnee Schovanec, Geneva Hudson, and Audrey Hudson; and great-grandchildren, Eliza and Damian. David was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore E. Drake Sr. and Geneva Drake, and his sisters, Barbara Madding and Terilee Lindsey. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Journey Home, 900 NE Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday June 11th at Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home and Crematory - Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com

William "David" Drake

February 9, 1947 - May 20, 2026