Bruce Drake was born March 26, 1930 at home in Chicago during one of the biggest snow storms ever. He graduated from Morton High School in 1948 and received his B.A. in Journalism from University of Illinois in 1952. After graduation he entered the Naval Officer’s Candidate School where he served three years in the Navy as a Beach Master. He then went on to get his Master’s degree in Radio and Television at University of Illinois. He spent the next 33 years working for Allstate Insurance Company as a professional writer, where he wrote speeches for senior management, created sales presentations and planned conferences.
Bruce married his first wife in 1958 and had four children. He later met Ginger, the love of his life. They were married on August 17, 1968, and had two children. They lived in the Chicago area until his retirement, moving to Evansville, Indiana on August 8, 1988. Ginger continued to work at the local social security office for the next ten years, during which time Bruce claimed the profession of “gigolo”. Upon Ginger’s retirement they bought a house in Oak Run in Ocala, Florida. They were also blessed to be able to spend 12 summers in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee.
Bruce was a unique individual who enjoyed a variety of activities. He loved golf and played until he was 89. He loved to entertain, tell jokes and play host for his many friends. His other passions included reading, listening to classical music and driving fast cars. He owned 52 cars over his lifetime, and continued to drive until the time of his death. Several people who rode with him remarked, “He sure does drive better than he walks!”
Bruce was predeceased by his parents John and Stella Drake and his sister Robyne Bicek. He is survived by his wife Ginger, their two children, John Drake of Hercules, California, Robyne Fraize of Ocala, Florida, grandson Curtis Drake, his four children from his first marriage, Cathy Cadman, Vicki Lubas, Meg Gerfen and Chris Drake, nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, all in the Chicago area. He spent many hours with their dog Magnolia, who still sits in his chair, waiting for his return.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 14, 2022 for family and friends and his ashes will be scattered at sea on May 15, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to:
PETS of Marion County, Inc.
5701 SE 66th Street
Ocala, FL 34480
www.PETSofMarionCounty.org
Meeting Bruce for the first time in 1970 when he and Ginger visited me in Washington, D.C.
I am glad that Bruce was able to live as long as he did . Judging by a recent photo of him, he was still having a good time. My heartfelt sympathies are with my friend Ginger who must now face a new kind of life without the companion she has had for so many years.
I will always love you Dad!!!
My condolences to you Ginger. We all share your grief at this very sad and difficult time. Everyone remains in my thoughts and prayers. I know the hole he’s leaving in your heart.