Victor L Drake

Victor Lenor Drake 95, passed away on February 9th, 2025 in Amarillo, Texas.

Services are pending at this time. 

He was born in Stratford, Oklahoma on August 15, 1929 to William Henry “Tant” Drake and Bessie Sisco Drake. He married Betty McClanahan. Victor served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He studied and became an Electrical Production & Systems Specialist. 

 After the Air Force, Victor worked for a plant in Mandeville, Louisiana, fabricating the prestressed pilings used to build the Lake Pontchatrain Causeway. Next, he moved to Maracaibo, Venezuela where he was employed as an Electrical Specialist on off-shore oil rigs until he retired. He took a job post retirement, to work on the electrical crew that rebuilt the Celanese Plant in Pampa, Texas. While living in South America, Victor came to love the people and their traditions, as well as becoming fluent in Spanish. A few years after retirement he moved to Costa Rica for ten years, before returning stateside.

Victor loved playing golf and cards, especially Texas Holdem. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys’ fan; He watched games with his greatly admired nephew Craig Allen. He enjoyed watching tennis, reading, and listening to music (Fats Domino was a favorite). Most of all, he just liked making people smile and laugh, especially his family! 

Victor grew up in County Line, Oklahoma along with his five sisters and his buddy (his first dog, “Lightning”). He described his childhood as magical; he often said, “it was a time and place when children were free to run, play, and be children, and it was just perfect!”

Lovingly adored by his five sisters, Victor cherished his relationship with each of them. Victor stayed very involved in the lives of his nieces and nephews. He was intentional in making time to spend with us, and in showing interest in our lives. He wanted us each to know just how important we were to him. Uncle Vic, we love you and we will carry you forever in our hearts, until we are together again. 

Victor was preceded in death by his parents: William Henry ‘Tant’ Drake and Bessie Sisco Drake; 2 brothers: Clarence Sydney Drake, and Henry Sisco Drake; 5 sisters: Dorothy Savannah Gray, Mary Elizabeth Ward, Essie Elmer Aldridge, Geneva Sherwood Drake, and Frankie Reba Jennings; 8 nephews: Preston Franchot “Chottie” Gray, Phillip Presto Aldridge, Bennie Hunter Aldridge, Ira Dean Ward, James Albert Drake Jr, Robert Brion Drake, Lawrence Henry DeWald, and Jack James “Johnny DeWald; 1 niece: Metha Jowanna Ward; a brother-in-law and best friend Jack DeWald.

Victor is survived by 9 nieces: Wyonette Aldridge, Lula Elizabeth Aldridge Corbin, Vicki Jean Drake Rouland, Sara Janet Drake, Deborah K. DeWald Bridge, Aundera Ginger DeWald Stephens, Mary May DeWald Dorsey, Susan Bess DeWald Allen, and Savannah Sherwood Jennings Mote; 1 nephew: Erwin Albert DeWald. Many great nieces and nephews, and a multitude of extended family members. 

The family would like to thank everyone at Ussery Roan Veterans Home, you all went above and beyond taking care of Victor.