David Delvin Drake, 85, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Midway.
Born May 4, 1940, in Mt. Sterling, his life was marked by a devotion to his family, a commitment to his state and his community and a passion for his lifelong hobbies. After completing his bachelor’s in economics at the University of Kentucky, along with extensive post graduate work, he was hired as an Assistant Industrial Development Director at East Kentucky Power Cooperative, a position that led to him meeting his wife Brenda on a company trip to Hawaii. He then served as the first Kentucky Secretary of Energy and subsequently co-founded the Kentucky Center for Energy Research. In 1984, he returned to East Kentucky Power where he ultimately retired as Business Development Manager. Not one to rest on his laurels, he continued in a consulting role and lent his expertise as a board member to the Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research. His civic engagement was further exemplified by his tenure as a member of the LFUCG Planning Commission. His belief in equality and justice informed his faith, guiding his actions and his commitment to serving others. A Roman Catholic by upbringing, he found a home at Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church and later became a member of the congregation at The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection. As did his parents before him, he found great happiness in making his home a warm and welcoming haven for his children and their friends from grade school through adulthood. He often told stories of his childhood home being the gathering spot for all the kids in town, and he said he would frequently come home to a crowd already gathered, casually chatting with his mother and father. His eyes beamed when his own children began bringing their friends home so he could continue that legacy. A man of eclectic interests, he was an avid O Gauge and O Scale Model Railroader. His intricate layouts and attention to detail were a testament to his meticulous nature. He found friendship in the local railroading community and traveled extensively to build his collection. He also built 1940’s era model airplanes and had a passion for collecting and reading historical accounts of World War II.
His beloved wife, Brenda Drake, stood by his side in every chapter of their life together. He was a selfless father to his son, Russell Drake, and daughter, Sheila Miracle. His sons-in-law, Daniel Honeycutt and Eric Miracle, were a source of immense pride, and they shared in his laughter and his wisdom. His grandchildren, Anna, Bodhi and Drake Miracle brought light to his eyes.
Survivors include his wife, children, grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bill Burch; and Janet Wathen.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Drake, and father, Russell T. Drake.
His legacy endures in the institutions he helped build, the community he served, and most importantly, in the hearts of his family and the many lives he touched. His passing is not just a loss but a celebration of a life well-lived, a life that exemplified the very best of what it means to be a devoted family man, a community leader and a faithful friend. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him, and his spirit will forever be a guiding light for his loved ones.
Service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday Oct. 31, at Milward-Broadway in Lexington. Burial will be in Lexington Cemetery.
www.milwardfuneral.com
