Michael “Mike” W. Drake

DUNLAP - Michael “Mike” W. Drake, 76, of Dunlap, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.

Mike was born on March 23, 1948, to William Q. Drake and Dorothy (Folden) Drake in Peoria, Illinois. Mike attended and was very active at Richwoods High School, where he fell in love with his future wife, Vicki Rapp. After graduating from Richwoods, Mike attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, as an ROTC member in the U.S. Army. While at the University, Michael was a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, serving as Pledge Trainer.

After graduating with a degree in Physiology, Mike became an active Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam as a Helicopter pilot, earning a Bronze Star, and later building out key analytical tools for the U.S. Army, earning a Meritorious Service Medal for his accomplishments. After 12 years of service, Mike was honorably discharged with high praise for his contributions. Mike then spent the rest of his career in the surgical supplies field with Baxter International.

Mike married the love of his life, Vicki, on June 27, 1970, at Arcadia Presbyterian Church in Peoria. They went on to have two daughters, who are happily married with 5 grandchildren, Alissa (Drake) White and Kelly White, parents of Macy White (David O’Leary) and Quincy White, and Muffy (Drake) Clince and Sean Clince, parents of Chloe, Cooper and Spencer Clince. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy (Folden) Drake and William Q. Drake, and is survived by his sister, Dr. Deborah (Drake) Hawes and husband, Dr. Charles Hawes. Mike was grateful for the friendship and support of his brother-in-law, Emerson Rapp Jr., especially in the last several years.

Mike was a friend to all, from his early days at Richwoods to his time serving at First Federated Church in many roles, including Deacon, Board Member and Vice Moderator. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle, always looking forward to a good story, laugh, walk on the beach or oyster and old-fashioned. His passion for life and sense of humor will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held at The Wilton Mortuary, 2101 Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Wounded Warriors Project. The Wilton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.