Cecil Roy Drake

Cecil Roy Drake, 93, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 24, 2025,holding the hand of his bride. Cecil was born on December 5, 1932 in Hoxie, Arkansas. He attended Banning High School in Banning, California, graduating in 1951. He answered “Uncle Sam’s letter” and proudly enlisted in the Army in 1954. He served his country stateside during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged in 1955, Cecil started his career as a Maintenance Supervisor at US Steel in Pittsburg, California. After working 37 years, he retired in 1992, moving to Fruita, Colorado in 1995.

Cecil loved to get on his tractor and farm. He was an avid hunter who was proud of his precise shooting. He was a master builder who enjoyed building on his property. He loved travelling in his motorhome and seeing all 50 states with his bride. Those who knew him would always hear the tales of his childhood; he was an extraordinary storyteller. When asked how he was doing, his response was always, “Fair to middlin’.” (Which means all’s good.)

Cecil faithfully attended church throughout his life and knew Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He was a member of Fruita Assembly of God for 28 years and cherished the fellowship he found there. His one prayer was always for his family to follow the Lord.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Martha Henexson, his brother, Jim Drake, his sister, Virginia Williams. He leaves behind his bride of 43 years, Darlene; his children, Stacy Southall, Larry Drake, Michele Schaan (Tim), Missy Carpenter, and Brian Milne (Melissa); 9 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren.

Cecil’s Memorial Service will be on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Fruita Assembly of God. His final resting place will be at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction, CO with a honor guard service to be announced.