Leo Francis Drake, age 99, of Adrian, died Monday, May 5, 2025, at ProMedica Hickman Hospital. He was born September 17, 1925, in Hudson, MI to Leland Forest and Una (Neddinien) Drake. Leo served his country in the Unites States Navy from 1943 to 1946. He married Mardelle Marie Germond on October 22, 1946, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Adrian. She preceded him in death on May 8, 2015.
Leo worked in his father’s bakery in Adrian and then for Brazeway Inc. After retiring, he spent 25 years at Pelham Auto Service, working for his friend Craig Pelham. He was a member of Holy Family Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and had been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous since 1964.
He is survived by three sons, Dennis (Lisa) Drake of Clarksville, TN, Paul (Jan) Drake of Portage, and Randall (Heidi) Drake of Adrian; three daughters, Christine Wagner of Gregory, MI, Barbara (Richard) Fike of Dexter, and Susan Mullinix (Jeffrey Ross) of Adrian; 16 grandchildren; Stefanie Hedding, Alyssa Wagner, Jon Drake, Marc Drake, Maria Drake, Caroline Drake, Lindy Zylka, Jessica Fike, Ryan Fike, Brendan Fike, Jacob Drake, Jeffrey Drake, Kadie Westendorf, Ashton Mullinix, Brant Mullinix, Colton Mullinix; four step-grandchildren, Jason Marine, Joel Marine, Kari Jo Deneau, Steven Kucinsky, and 25 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Mark Louis Drake in infancy; two brothers, Leland and Lawrence; one sister Marcella Schwartz; son-in-law, Wendall Wagner; grandson, Tod Drake; and brothers-in-law, Jack and Richard Germond.
Visitation will be held on May 12, 2025, 2:00-4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian where a Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral liturgy will be celebrated by Father Michael Newman, OSFS, on May 13, 2025, at Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Holy Family Parish, St. Mary Campus. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.