Velma Drake (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Velma Pearl Drake, daughter of David Newton and Jennie Pearl Johnson Archer, was born on a farm in Laclede County, Missouri, on December 15, 1919. She departed this life Sunday, February 28, 2016, in her daughter’s home, in Billings, Missouri, at the age of ninety-six years, two months, and thirteen days.
On July 5, 1941, she was united in marriage to Glenn Allen Drake, and to this union two daughters, Glenna and Deanna, were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glenn, on December 29, 2008; three brothers, Robert, Lester, and Clarence Archer; four sisters, Ruby Wright, Ruth Edmondson, Edith Sutherland, and Roberta Archer; and a step-grandson, Aaron Gunnett.
Velma is survived by two daughters, Glenna Loughmiller, and her husband, Sam, of Merriam, Kansas, and Deanna Gunnett, and her husband, Bob, of Billings, Missouri; three grandchildren, Natalie Thomas, and her husband, Mark, of Alexandria, Virginia, Barry Loughmiller, and his wife, Jamie, of Olathe, Kansas, and Andrew Gunnett, of Billings, Missouri; five great-grandchildren, Tabitha and Owen Thomas, Adrian, Brady, and Eli Loughmiller; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
She attended rural elementary school in Laclede County, and graduated from Stoutland High School in the Class of 1939. After graduating from high school, she was employed as a legal secretary in the law offices of Bradshaw and Fields in Lebanon. Once she and Glenn were married, Velma became a devoted homemaker and loving mother to their daughters.
Velma professed her faith in Christ and was baptized at an early age, and was an active member of First Christian Church in Lebanon for almost sixty years. She was involved in almost all phases of the Christian Women’s Fellowship as well as many other aspects of church leadership and had been named an Elder Emeritus. She held office in the area and state C.W.F. and attended the International Quadrennial at Purdue University in 1974 and 1978.
In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, making lots of the girls’ clothes throughout the years. She liked doing counted cross-stitch projects and was an excellent cook, particularly known for her delicious pies. She was very supportive of Glenn’s endeavors in Babe Ruth Baseball and enjoyed traveling to the World
Series each year. She was also an avid reader for as long as her eyesight allowed. She liked making a garden each year and grew beautiful flowers as well as lots of produce. She had belonged to a local garden club at one time. Her family was very dear to her and she especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Velma was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them during her ninety-six years. She will be remembered for her laughter, sense of humor, having fun, and expressing her opinions in her own unique way.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lion's Eye Bank, and left at the funeral home.
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