Vernon E. Drake

Vernon E. Drake, 80, of Bristol, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family following an extended illness on December 15, 2015. Born in Rome, New York, he was the son of the late Eugene and Eunice Freeman Drake. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and retired from Sperry Univac (UNISYS) after 31 years of dedication. Vernon was an avid golfer and bowler and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church and St. Ann's Catholic Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Drake and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Helen Dawes.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jean Dawes Drake; 3 children, Becky Widner and husband, David of Bristol, Barbara Kent of Kingsport, and Joe Drake of Bristol; 4 grandchildren, Elizabeth Kemp and husband, Joshua, Emily Kemp and husband, Logan, Amber Kent and Conner Drake; sister, Virginia Drake; 2 brothers, Lewis Drake and Llywelyen Drake of Florida; brother-in-law, Thomas Dawes and wife, Dona of Utica, New York; sister-in-law, Joan Dawes of Bristol, VA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral mass will be conducted on Saturday at 12:00 pm at St. Dominic Catholic Church with Father William Oruko officiating. The family will receive friends in the Parish Life Center at the church following the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to Wellmont Hospice, 280 Steeles Rd., Bristol, TN 37620, to the American Center Society, 508 Princeton Rd., Ste 102, Johnson City, TN 37601, to the Sullivan County Animal Shelter, 2141 Idle Hour Rd., Kingsport, TN 37660, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.