Herrin- William E. “Bill” Drake, age 95, of Herrin, passed away peacefully at 3:49pm on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion with his loving daughter at his side.
A proud native of Herrin, Bill was born April 16, 1918, the son of Luther E. and Lillie (James) Drake. He married Evelyn J. Gosnell on January 1, 1939 in Jackson, Missouri. She preceded him in death on January 18, 2007, but together with Evelyn, they shared sixty-eight years of marriage.
Bill grew up quickly in Herrin and entered the United States Army in 1943, serving in France and Germany as a non-commissioned officer in the 20th Armored Division. He was honorably discharged on March 6, 1946 and returned to his hometown of Herrin.
Bill loved challenges. After returning to Herrin Following World War II, Bill was elected Herrin alderman from the Third Ward and served for two terms. He was then elected City Treasurer and served for twelve years. During that time, Bill served as a member of the Illinois Governor’s Personnel Advisory Board.
Throughout his career, Bill worked at the Norge Plant in Herrin, and all of the subsequent businesses at that location, including Magic Chef and Maytag. At the time of Bill’s retirement, he was Director of Purchasing for all business operations.
Survivors include his daughter- Sharon L. and Steve Carr of Bloomington; grandson- Stephen Drake and Michelle Carr of Bloomington; and three great grandchildren- Avery, Caroline, and Stephen Carr of Bloomington. Also surviving are cousins- Gene Stiman of Marion and Kerry and Robyn Stiman of Marion; as well as the grandchildren of his sister, Alberta- Michael, Matthew, Mark, and Melody Redfern. Bill was so proud to be called “PaPa Bill” by his great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife- Evelyn, his sister- Alberta, and his niece- Joyce Redfern.
Bill will be remembered for his generous attitude and the help he and Evelyn provided to so many others. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and he loved dealing in real estate. He also loved family and friends and, in the latter part of his life, he received love and assistance from John and Joann Lucas, Patty Hartman, Cheryl Aldridge, Bonnie Schmidt, and the staffs at Hawthorne Inn and Parkway Manor in Marion. To each one of them, Bill’s family gives thanks. Particular thanks is given to Kerry and Robyn Stiman for their help, their comfort and their prayers.
Bill made friends easily and was a true friend who always reached out to help. He was outgoing, intelligent, humorous, a good neighbor, a loving father, a wonderful husband, a devoted family man—all in all, his was a life well-lived. As Sharon, his daughter, has always said- He was the best dad any little girl could ever have.
Visitation will be held from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin, followed by a short funeral service at 12:00pm on Saturday at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home. Rev. Don Colson will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery with military honors provided by Herrin Military Ceremonial Team comprised of Freeman Spur American Legion, Herrin American Legion, and Herrin VFW Post. Assistance will be provided by the National Guard Flag Honor Detail.
For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com