death of NWA/DL Capt. Randy Drake, age 76

[death flwnwst]

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, RW/RC/NWA/DL Capt. Randall “Randy” Drake

December 20, 1949 ~ February 23, 2026

 

Randall Wayne Drake began his commercial flying career 07-07-1978 and was based Detroit at time of merger with Delta Air Lines. 

Randy had most recently resided in Indiana : 3187 N Private Road 135 E, Sullivan, IN 47882.

A private Celebration of Life event will be held at a future date….please see obituary below.

PCN memorial site https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2026/02/nwa-capt-randy-drake.html

 

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/randall-drake-obituary?id=60888134

 

Randall Drake Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by DeBaun Funeral Homes & Crematory - Springhill Chapel

On February 23, 2026, Captain Randall W. Drake took his final flight departing from this Earth for the last time. He was finally free to fly, to find the peace and tranquility offered to him in the great blue beyond.

Randy was a character who in many ways was larger than life. He came into the world on December 20, 1949, in Sullivan, Indiana. He was the son of Wayne and Dora (Malone) Drake. Randy was a farmer's son who came from humble beginnings that served to be the foundation for his work ethic throughout his life. Randy has a mischievous and adventurous spirit from the beginning which was displayed as he liked to play many pranks and was always up for a thrill. There were many stories of his antics with his family and friends throughout the years. Randy was hilarious and could tell stories that would leave you doubled over laughing and well entertained. He was born to fly, which became readily apparent early in life when he attempted to fly like a bird jumping off his grandma's chicken coop. At the age of 16 he got his private pilot's license. This love of flying was Randy's true purpose in life. Flying fulfilled his soul as it allowed him to live his life in full throttle for much of his life's journey. Flying took him to places most would only dream of. Randy never was bound to rules and lived a life where he was in constant motion and pushed the envelope as far as he could. He knew no limits.

He married his high school sweetheart, Linda (Reed) Drake in August of 1970. Linda was his faithful and loving co-pilot for 55 very eventful years. They had three children: a son, Shawn (deceased); daughters Michelle Turner (Brad), and Angela Drake; four grandchildren: Mikayla (Turner) Meines (Josh), Drake Turner, Sarah Francis, and Logan Francis; and three great grandchildren: Violet, Ruby, and Owen Meines.

Randy received a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana State University in Aviation and Vocational Education. During college, he enrolled in the AVROC Program and after college completed the Navy's Officer Candidate School where he was commissioned as an Ensign and received his Wings of Gold as a Naval Aviator. During his time in the Navy, he flew various jet aircraft based in Alameda, California and from there became a Flight Instructor at NAS in Pensacola, Florida. He had many stories about his Navy days and was very proud to have served. Later in his life, a lot of his fondest memories were of those he experienced in the Navy.

After the Navy, he became an Airline Pilot hired by Hughes Airwest as a Flight Engineer and later became a co-pilot. Hughes Airwest merged with Republic Airlines where he became a Captain. Eventually, Republic Airlines merged with Northwest Airlines and as a Captain he mainly flew on the Airbus to many interesting places. Unfortunately, after Northwest merged with Delta, Randy did not get to fly for Delta very long. He was checked out to fly Captain in the DC-10 to Europe but three days before his trip, he suffered an aneurysm causing a stroke, ending his career as a pilot. He was devastated and was forced into early retirement.

Randy was a wonderful provider. He enjoyed taking his family to a number of states and countries, sharing his love for adventure with those he loved. Randy went on many adventures around the world, had a love of learning, and a desire to do more, as seen in his involvement in real estate and business. His family witnessed him achieving the highest fo highs and some lows throughout the years when the warrior spirit was developed that allowed him to push through no matter what he faced. He will be missed dearly.

Upon his request, a cremation was entrusted to DeBaun Funeral Home. There will be no visitation or services. Prior to Randy's passing, Last Rite Prayers were given to him by Chaplain Elliot from Hospice. He was also visited by volunteers from the VA, and a special prayer was given by the VA's Chaplain. A Navy Veteran presented Randy with a pin and star thanking him for his service. Randy was cremated wearing his Navy Aviator ball cap with an American Flag draped over his body. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. If those so choose, they may donate to Hospice or the Wounded Warrior organization in his honor.