Stephen Gary Drake

Stephen Gary Drake, a man whose life was defined by service, community, and a genuine love for people, passed away on April 20, 2026. He was 81 years old.

Born in Fullerton, California, on April 1, 1945, to Edmund and Mary Ellen (Jones) Drake, Steve eventually made his way to Toledo, the city he would call home for the rest of his life. He was a 1963 graduate of DeVilbiss High School and went on to the University of Toledo, where he earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1968. While at UT, he was a proud and active member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.

The most significant chapter of Steve's life began on November 25, 1967, when he married the love of his life, Sandra Schifferly. Together they raised two daughters, Stephanie and Darcy. Steve's family was the foundation of everything he did.

Steve's professional life was a balance of civilian engineering and dedicated military service. After working for the City of Toledo in the Engineering and Construction Division from 1970-1976, Steve transitioned to a full-time career with the Ohio Air National Guard. He served at the 180th Fighter Wing at Toledo Express Airport, where his leadership and technical expertise led him to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After retiring from the Guard in 1985, he continued his work in systems facility engineering as a civilian at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton.

Even in retirement, Steve couldn't sit still. He was a "people person" who found joy in being useful to others. He was a long-time member of Robinson Locke Lodge #659 and volunteered as an usher at the Stranahan Theater.

Steve's faith was central to his life. He was a member of Reformation Lutheran (now Faith United Lutheran Church) since 1975. He also spent countless hours volunteering at the Augsburg Lutheran Church Feed Your Neighbor food pantry.

When he wasn't serving his community or his country, Steve was happiest outdoors. He loved traveling and spent many seasons camping with friends, enjoying the simplicity of a campfire and good company. He was the kind of man who consistently put the needs of others before his own, offering a steady hand and a kind word to anyone who needed it.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law Larry and Donna Drake; and parents-in-law, Robert and Joyce Schifferly. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sandra; daughters, Stephanie (Brian) Buchholtz, and Darcy (Adam) Burgess; grandchildren, Austin (Katie) Helm, Cameron Burgess, Quinn (Trey) Shafer, and Kylie Burgess; great-grandchildren, Avianna Helm, and TJ Shafer; sister, Linda (Fritz) Paupard; sister-in-law, Judy (Melvyn) Holman; and many nieces, nephews, and great friends.

The family would like to give special thanks to the doctors and staff at Toledo Hospital and Hospice of Northwest Ohio - Ebeid for the exceptional care Steve received, and to the many lifelong friends that have helped and prayed for him.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, Toledo, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Friday, April 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The funeral service will begin on Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Faith United Lutheran Church.