Mr. Harrell M. Drake, age 91, passed away Thursday, April 5, 2012 peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends. Visitation will be held Monday April 9, 2012 from 2-7 pm with family receiving friends from 5-7 pm at Tres Hewell Mortuary. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 10 am at Faith Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul Cross officiating. Interment will follow at Monthalia Lutheran Cemetery in Monthalia. The family also welcomes the family and friends to join them for a reception at Faith Lutheran Church following the burial in celebration of Harrell's life. Harrell was born December 21, 1920 in Alba, TX to the late Doss L. and Julie Cheek Drake. He was the youngest of 5 children who all precede him in death. Harrell graduated from Lone Oak High School, and immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corp serving as a medic, then WWII in the Philippines and Guam. He also served as a ROTC instructor at Auburn, Baylor and Texas A&M Universities. Harrell's time in the Air Force led him and his family on a journey to various places around the world as he continued his military career in personnel and air traffic control stationed in multiple states, as well as France, Japan and Germany. He retired as a Major in the USAF in 1964, where he and his beautiful bride retired with their daughters in Seguin, TX after proudly serving his country for 24 years. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Drake. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Helen Sue Stroman Drake (Sudie, affectionately called Neeno by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren); 3 daughters and their husbands, Lynda and George Grisham, Elaine and Basil Shields, and Liz and David McFarland; 8 grand children, Julie and Jon Snyder, Bryan and Courtney Schmidt, Brad and Erin Schmidt, Michelle and Noah Steinberg, Scott and Angelica Driggers, Laura and John Nash, Erika and Dean Braune, Andrea and Gary Taylor; and 17 great grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Bill and Nancy Stroman; numerous nieces and nephews, close friends and neighbors who fondly know him as Poopsie, Gamma Grandpa, Boss at Drakes' Diner, Harrell-Honey, and "Drake". Harrell was a member at Faith Lutheran Church in Seguin, and also served as a church council member. He served as president and officer of Lake Placid Estates Association and of Monthalia Lutheran Cemetery; and was also an employee at the former South Texas Printing and Sagebiel's. Harrell touched the lives of many people with his quick laugh, smile and generosity; he maintained his trademark sense of humour, jokes, and loved to tell a story to the very end. Poopsie enjoyed his life to the fullest, and cherished spending time with his family. He had a deep passion for floundering and fish fries, traveling all over with his wife and family in their motor home, sneaking away for early morning coffee breaks in town with "the boys", tinkering in his shed, doing woodwork, and spending time outdoors.The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Guadalupe Regional Hospice, as well as sincere thanks to his loving caregivers: Rene and Ignacia Aguirre; Ellie Hendry, Kristina Avalos, Commie Holmes and their families and Dr. Antonio Flores. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be given to Guadalupe Regional Hospice, 1215 East Court, Seguin, TX 78155,Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar, Seguin, TX 78155 and/or the Alzheimer's Association, 7400 Louis Pasteur Dr, #200, San Antonio, TX 78229-4542.