Ivan Terrill Drake, age 81, 25523 Drake Street, Cambridge Springs, PA died at his home on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 after a period of failing health. Ivan was born on April 4, 1928 a son of the late Andrew and Hazel Terrill Drake on the family dairy farm located in Drakes Mills, Cambridge Township and had lived there all of his life. After graduating from Cambridge Springs High School, Ivan dedicated himself to working the farm together with his parents and older brother, Arden. He and his brother complemented each other as partners and best friends over the years and reputedly never had a quarrel. In earlier years they raised Guernsey cattle, but later they raised registered Holsteins. As the years went by and the need came to downsize, the cattle were sold at three different times, the last being in 1979. Over those years the farm was recognized on numerous occasions as one of the best in Crawford County.
Ivan was known as a cattle expert and as a skilled handyman. He had a strong faith in the Lord Jesus and lived his life accordingly. He never complained, worked hard, and was always satisfied and grateful with what he had.
Ivan leaves as survivors his brother – Arden and three nieces – Louise Uhlman and her husband, Don of Cambridge Springs; Janet Morton and her husband, Marvin of Cambridge Springs; and Ginger Beck and her husband, Jim of Cambridge Springs; and a nephew – Tom Drake and Kris Lechefsky of Edinboro. Also surviving are many great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Drake.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 and are invited to attend services there on Thursday morning at 11:00. Reverend Ron Kennedy, pastor of Draketown Christian Church, will officiate. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery. Memorials gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, Crawford Unit, 464 Pine St., Meadville, PA 16335-2975.
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