Williamsport - Edward Eugene Drake, 90, Williamsport, passed away in the Ascension St. Vincent Williamsport Hospital, following a short illness, on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 8:35 p.m.
Ed, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Franklin, Indiana on May 15, 1933. He was the son of the late Albert Edward and Nina Mae (Smock) Drake.   He was raised in Franklin, graduating from Whiteland High School in 1952.  Following graduation, Ed enlisted into the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War.  Following his honorable discharge in July of 1956 he moved to Shelby County, Indiana and began farming.  He later attended Purdue University and received his Associates Degree in Mobile Telephone Communications.  He joined Indiana Bell and later transferred to the Covington office in 1970 and relocated his family to Williamsport.  He retired from Indiana Bell after 35 years and 3 months of service on December 31, 1991.  He and his wife, Carol, purchased T & T Auto Parts store, which is now known as, CarQuest of Attica.
Ed was a 50 year member of the Pittsboro Lodge # 620 F. & A.M.; member of the Scottish Rite and Zorah Shrine of Terre Haute; member of the American Legion Post # 52 of Attica. He served as a member of the Williamsport Town Board; member of the Attica-Williamsport Rotary Club; served on the Warren County Sheriff's Merit Board and was a 4-H leader.  He enjoyed fishing, especially with his brother-in-laws and father-in-law in Wisconsin and Canada.  He liked to play golf and was an avid fan of Purdue sports.  He liked woodworking and following NASCAR with Jeff Gordon as his favorite driver.  He especially enjoyed following the stock car circuit with his grandson Zach driving one of the stock cars.  He followed his grandchildren's events with pride and enjoyed feeding his birds and squirrels, while shooing away the pesky cats that invaded their territory.
On January 16, 1959, Ed married Carol Lee Jones in Carol's parents home in Pittsboro, IN.  He leaves behind his wife, Carol of 65 years along with two children, Connie (Mike) Peterson and Rusty (Mellisa) Drake, both of Williamsport; six grandchildren, Allyse (Cory) Gruss, Holly (Adam) Walters, Emily (Justin) Phillips, Zach Drake, Garrett Drake and Gracie Drake; five great-grandchildren, Calie, Averie, Klay, Luke and Logan.
Friends may call at the Maus Funeral Home, Attica, on Sunday, February 4th, from 1:00 p.m until the Masonic Memorial service at 3:45 p.m. followed the funeral service at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Brenda McIntosh officiating.  A military service will follow the funeral service and an inurnment will be held in the Highland Cemetery, Williamsport,  at a later date.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Warren County Community Foundation.