Lloyd Wayne Drake

He was born in Bell County on March 25, 1929. Wayne was always proud of his Bell County heritage and had a wealth of stories and tales about Bell County. He never met a stranger and was well-known for driving around town stopping to converse with local citizens about gardening, travels and the health of their family. He served his country honorably as a WWII veteran during the Korean Occupation. He retired from Ft. Hood after 33 years where he received numerous awards and commendations for his excellence of job performance and innovative ideas and acquired many lifelong friends. He served as deacon of Calvary Baptist Church and was a member of Masonic Lodge #177 of Belton. He enjoyed traveling, camping, gardening and visiting with friends and relatives. Wayne is survived by his wife and best friend of 62 years, Nila Kelley Drake, two daughters and a son: Gaylyn & Gary Baird of Belton, Claudia & Robert Graf of Richardson and Jeff Drake of Belton. Mr. Drake is blessed with 5 grandchildren: Kelli Baird Whiteside, Aaron, Garrett & Paula Drake and Cody Graf and 2 great-granddaughters: Kirsten and Bailey Whiteside. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Perry and Pearl Drake, 4 brothers: Calvin, Marvin, Rayford and William Perry (Dub) and 3 sisters: Lee Ethel Freeman, Cleo Lankford, and Mary Wood. Mr. Drake's family wishes to express deepest appreciation to June with the Visiting Angels, Dana and Cheryl with Vista Hospice Care and the compassionate VA Hospice staff, all who were so helpful during his last months. You were truly a Godsend! We love you all.