Sherman E. Drake, age 78, of Troy died suddenly Monday, December 12, 2005 in Troy. Born of the late, Hugh Cecil Drake and Gladys V. Curtis Drake.

He married Sandra L. Brown Drake who survives. He is also survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Pam and Mark Bartel, Karen Drake Anderson and son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Carole Drake; grandchildren, Michael, Megan, and Amanda Bartel and Madison and Bowen Drake; sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Jim Palsgrove; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mrs. Franklin Caroline Brown; Irvin and Elma Brown; Barb and Bill John Small; JoAnn and Curly Langston and numerous nieces and nephews.

A US Army Veteran having served during WWII; member of the AmVets Post 88, VFW Post 5436, Miami County Moose Lodge, Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 3621, Elks Lodge No. 833, Franklin Lodge #14 F&AM, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton; Antioch Shrine Temple; Troy Fish and Game Club; WACO society; lifetime member and treasurer of Miami County Antique Power Association and member of other antique power associations including Greenville, Portland, IN, Xenia, and Urbana; member of the K's Men's Breakfast Club; Lifetime member with National Rifle Association; member, former treasurer and former choir member with the First United Methodist Church; former member of Gold Wing Motorcycle Association, former member of City of Troy Board of Tax Appeal.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting with family and friends. A 1945 graduate of Staunton Schools and a 1951 graduate of Miami Jacobs Business College. He formerly assisted his father with painting and fence building in the area and made deliveries for Railway Express. His accounting career began with Hobart Manufacturing and Ray Mack CPA firm and then eventually self-employed with Sherman Drake CPA firm until his retirement in 1989.

Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 16, 2005 at Baird Funeral Home with Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery.  Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Thursday, December 15, 2005 with Masonic services at 7:30 PM Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to donor's favorite charity.