Robert Joel Drake was born on an early spring day in Hardin, Montana. He entered the world on April 10, 1941 and was the fifth child of five born to Orpha Joel Drake and Lavinnia (Gibson) Drake. His oldest brother was Joseph Leroy (Billie). Next was Orpha Drake, Jr. (AKA Wilbur Gene) (Mona) and then Perry Lee (Mary) and sister Bell Doubek. The family lived in a very modest house located about a mile from Custer's Battlefield and close to the Little Big Horn River where they bathed during the summer months. Bob had memories of riding horses and being an adventuresome country kid.

Robert Lived here until about 7 years of age when the family moved to Charlo, Montana to an 80 acre farm. They resided here until 1952 and then relocated to Libby, Montana where Bob's Dad hoped to go to work on a dam on the Kootenai River. That did not happen so more moves came about to Ephrata, Washington, Irrigon, Oregon, Mattawa, Washington, Yakima, Washington and Sunnyside, Washington.

While living in Sunnyside Bob attended Sunnyside High School for his senior year and graduated in 1959. In 1958 a friend dared him to ask a girl out who lived in Yakima of whom both were aware of. Bob did and a 62 year 11 month marriage was born. The marriage took place in Richland, Washington on January 14, 1961 and was officiated by Judge Erickson. In 1965 the family moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan where Bob spent 5 years in a Carpenter Apprenticeship program, graduating shortly before a move back to Richland, Washington.

From this union a daughter, Julie was born on May 23, 1962. In 1965 the three moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan where a brother, James Bradley, joined the family. He was followed by another son, Bradley Alan on May 23, 1970, this completed the family.

Robert is survived by wife, Marilyn C. Drake. Children: Julie Ann Dean (Dennis), James Bradley Drake (Connie), Bradley Alan Drake (Marielle). Five grandchildren: DJ (Mara) Dean, Tanner (Celeste) Dean and Kayla Dean, Levi Drake and Nolan Salazar. Eight great-grandchildren: Justice Dean, Graham Dean, Liam Dean, Eviane Dean, Remy Dean, Kai Dean and Aviana Palacio and Ivelisse Palacio.

Robert left this planet earth early morning of December 19, 2023 with a destination on his mind. He arrived safely in Heaven just in time to spend his first Christmas with Jesus.