Thomas "Butch" Mitchell Drake

Thomas M. “Butch” Drake (Age 80) of Harrisonville, Missouri passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 13th 2024 at St. Luke's Hospice House surrounded by his family.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 pm, Friday, February 16, 2024, at Dengel & Son Mortuary - Louisburg Chapel, 1 Aquatic Drive, Louisburg, Kansas 66053, with military honors provided by the Louisburg VFW post 7348 and American Legion post 250. Visitation will follow at 5:00 pm. Private family inurnment will be held at the Louisburg Cemetery at a later date.

Butch was born April 18th, 1943 in Pawhuska Oklahoma to George & Delberta Drake. He was the only child. In his toddler years, he earned the nickname Butch from his grandmother due to his spunky demeanor & feisty spirit. He carried both of these attributes with him throughout his life.

At 20, Butch met Judy & the rest was history. He spent the rest of his life as a dedicated husband, although they only got 55 years. Together they built a marriage that many could only dream of. Butch & Judy welcomed two sons, Rob & Curt. Though their life was not always easy, they were determined to make the best out of it & to lean in on one another. They did just that.

In 1964 Butch joined the Army. Where he worked to become a medic during Vietnam war time. A life altering injury kept him stateside where he was discharged from the military with honors. He spent his entire life proud of what he could offer his country & proud to be an American. He later joined the American Legion where he held various titles.

Nothing in life was ever handed to Butch, he worked hard for it all. The grit & determination he found as a child carried him through even the toughest of moments. The little things brought him the most joy, like a good drink of Dewar's or hearing those he loved laugh. He loved to spend time with his family, & watch OU football or to see John Force have a good run. Those who knew Butch best will tell you of his selflessness, kindness & support. He consistently put himself last & everyone else first. He never thought of himself as one, but he was truly a hero to many. “Oh my God, that's good.”

Butch was preceded in death by his beautiful bride Judy Drake. Parents George & Delberta Drake.

He is survived by his sons Robert & Curtis Drake; daughter-in-law Trista Drake; grandchildren Austin, Jonathan, Chloe, Scarlet, Willow & Kara Drake, Christopher McDonald & Ed Ross; great grandchildren Nash & Addalynn Drake, Oakland McDonald.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to the American Legion Post 250 or Saint Luke's Hospice House, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.