Curtis William Drake

Curtis William Drake was born June 21, 1916, in Bangor, the son of Curtis and Jean (Humphrey) Drake. He passed away Thursday, April 13, 2017 at South Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Community.

Curt, as he was known, grew up on Van Auken Lake. He moved to Chicago after school to work with his uncle, James Humphrey.

Curt was united in marriage to H. Irene Lovegrove on July 14, 1938, in Alexander, Canada and for the next 78 years, they were inseparable. They met in Chicago at a church social. Irene had moved from Canada to Chicago to help her aunt Ethel who had arthritis. They later returned to Van Auken Lake to farm (Cherry Hill Fruit Farm) and raise their family.

Curt was a life member of Hartford Federated Church, life member of Twin City Camera Club (36 years), Fruit Belt Camera Club, and Southern Michigan Gun Club. He was a competitor in camera and gun club activities right up until the end. He had a love for life and living it to the fullest. It was often said that there were not many things he didn't love and enjoy.

Curtis' many hobbies and interests were daily target practice shooting his firearms (weather permitting), shooting his camera at every opportunity, woodworking (making many keepsakes for friends and family) and traveling to various destinations at home and abroad.

Curt believed in giving back to the community. He was a school board member all the years his children attended school.

Curt is survived by his wife, Irene; a daughter, Jean (Ronald) Johnson of Hartford; a son, Dale Drake of Hartford; three grandchildren: Roderick (Kathy) Johnson, Darcelle (Kenneth) Austin, and Danielle (Michael) Aschenbrener; six great-grandchildren: Gabriel and Gwen Johnson, Victoria and Ayden Austin, and Maxwell and Valentina Aschenbrener.

Curt was preceded in passing by his parents; two brothers: Virgil and Donald Drake, and a sister, Shirley Schroyer.

A memorial celebration of life service will take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at the Hartford Federated Church, with Pastor Richard Ely officiating. As to Curtis' wishes cremation has taken place. His ashes will be placed in Thomas Cemetery, Bangor Township. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hartford Federated Church. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so on our website at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.