Raymond E. Drake

Raymond E. Drake 70, a longtime Fort Sumner resident died Sunday, Nov. 7, 1999 at his home. Raymond was born August 10, 1929 in Fort Sumner to the home of Ward and Margaret Drake. He attended and graduated from Fort Sumner Schools and attended New Mexico Highlands University on a baseball scholarship. He later played in the Chicago Cubs minor league organization. Raymond purchased the Texaco Wholesale Agency in Fort Sumner from B.C. Withers in 1956 and added the Arrow Gas Propane Agency in 1964. He operated the business until his retirement on August 1, 1991. Raymond served as De Baca County Commissioner for six years. His parents and an infant daughter Wardena Drake preceded him in death. Raymond is survived by his wife, Dolores of the family home; three sons, Tom and his wife Christi of Clovis, NM; Brian and wife Christy of LaLande, NM; and Ray and wife Lutricia of Lake Sumner, NM. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Lane, Price, Ryan, Raymond, and Robyn Drake, one brother Gerry Drake of Hatch, NM and two nephews, and one niece. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 10, 1999 from St. Anthony Catholic Church with Sister Teresita Garcia officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Billy Wilton, Bill “Bird Dog” Bowen, Tommy Roybal, Pete Segura, John McMillan, and Ted McCollum. Honorary bearers will include Edward Sena, Frank McRee, Bill Franks, Jerry Beach, Emmett Fallon, A.J. Killough, and all his many friends. The family prefers memorials to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association P.O. Box 180; Fort Sumner, NM 88119 in memory of Raymond. All arrangements entrusted to Chavez Funeral Home of Fort Sumner. (505) 355-2311.