Arden Andrew Drake, age 88, lifelong resident of Drakes Mills, PA, went to be home with his Lord and Savior unexpectedly on Thursday, December 5, 2013. Born on March 31, 1925 on the family farm, Arden was a son of the late Andrew and Hazel Terrill Drake. After receiving his education at Cambridge Springs High School, Arden dedicated himself to working the well known Guernsey and Holstein dairy farm together with his parents and his younger brother, Ivan.
Arden was known for his strong work ethic, dedication, and efficiency. Most important to Arden was his Christian faith which he readily demonstrated by sharing the Word and his generosity. Arden had a strong concern for others and their welfare and was known never to have said an unkind word towards anyone.
After the passing of his brother, Ivan, on November 3, 2009, Arden maintained his home immaculately, and enjoyed cooking and canning. Arden was a grateful person, readily expressing his thanksgiving for the many blessings of life that he abundantly was given by his Lord.
Preceding Arden in death in addition to his parents, were his two brothers – Harold Drake in 2005 and Ivan in 2009. He is survived by three nieces – Louise Uhlman and her husband, Don of Cambridge Springs and their children – Donna Vogelhuber and Diana Bufalino; Janet Morton and her husband, Marvin of Cambridge Springs and their daughter – Danielle Varner; and Ginger Beck and her husband, Jim of Cambridge Springs and their children – Stephanie Beck, Kimberly Gorton, and Carrie Schenk and by a nephew – Tom Drake and Kris of Edinboro.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Monday, Dec.9 from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held there on Tuesday morning at 11:00. Reverend Ron Kennedy, pastor of Draketown Christian Church, will officiate. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Erie City Mission, 717 French Street, Erie, PA 16501.
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Arden when he and Ivan were my clients at what was then A.G. Edwards & Sons here in Meadville. I will always remember him as a kind, caring, hard- working and humble man…a man whom I’m sure the entire family is very proud. Please accept my sincere sympathy for his untimely passing. I send this with my utmost respect.
Arden the end of a erra for Drakes Mills. Will always have fond memories of the Drake brothers. They were always nice to the kids, and let them watch many calfs be born in the barn. Rest in Peace Arden