In Loving Memory of Melvin Gene Drake

Melvin Gene Drake passed away June 1, 2024 in Colville, Washington. He was born September 26, 1936 in Valley, King County Washington to Charles Clark Drake and Wilma Kern of Valley, King County Washington. After his father's passing Melvin and his mother moved to Colville, Washington.  Melvin became a 12-year senior of Colville and there lived for the remainder of his days.  After graduating, Melvin worked in the mines at Metaline Falls, Washington. There, he met the love of his life, Rita. Nine months later they welcomed their first son Gene Drake, and two years later welcomed their daughter BobbieLee. Melvin became a cook for the National Guard for quite a few years, as well as working for the Colville Sanitation Department and later retired.

Melvin and Rita resided in Colville, Washinton where he was a dedicated family man. Remembering times of huckleberry picking, when picking berries wasn't always a requirement. Enjoying the quiet, serene, and vast wilderness, there were possibilities of their buckets coming up short of berries. But our memories were full from our adventures.  There were countless trips to swim meets all over Washington and Canada. We went camping and took vacations all over the western states. We had fishing trips to Rocky Lake and other lakes and rivers in the greater Pacific Northwest. Remembering fishing with him at Rocky Lake, and sitting with him on the side of the bank while he was drowning a worm.  The kids would occasionally find a critter to play with, even if it meant that dad would be chopping the head of the snake with his brand-new axe. Watching him swing his new axe and throw a beheaded snake into the middle of the lake, and then the punishment ensued.

Melvin was a lover of old times, from restoring and building old cars, to his historical love of tractors. Listening to Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots are Made for Walkin" and all the joys of the 60's and older. Enjoying with Rita, the Go-Go era and the western souls of Marty Robbins, and Johnny Cash's "Tennessee Flat- Top Box". Melvin kept busy tending to Rita's garden and flower beds, making home improvements and working on carpentry.

Melvin is proceeded in death by his wife Rita Drake, son Gene Drake, and Granddaugther BrandyLee Drake. Survived by brother Kieth and Joyce Drake of Athol, ID, daughter  BobbieLee Gleave, and son in law Carl of Colville, grandchildren Brandon and Heather Judd of Colville, Jesse Gleave of Colville, Josh and Joni Gleave of Colville and numerous great grandchildren.

Celebration of life will be held at Fort Colville Grange (156 Highway 20 East Colville, Washington).  The celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 22nd,  2024. Potluck style. Please come and share memories and love for Melvin Drake.

Please visit the online memorial website and sign his guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with his care.