Thomas Alan Drake

Thomas Alan Drake, 70, of Troy, Ohio, was born on October 24, 1955, at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, to James "Jim" Drake and Jane (Zieger) Drake. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, after a courageous battle with ALS on August 3, 2026.

Tom shared a devoted marriage with his beloved wife of nearly 48 years, Catherine (White) Drake. Married in September 1978, they built a life rooted in love, partnership, and unwavering commitment to one another. Together they raised two children, Jim (Shellie) Drake and Julie (Steve) Young, and became the proud grandparents of Adelyn and Eleanor Drake; Jack Collins; Max & Lily Berning; and Katelynn, Ashton, and Caden Young. Tom is also survived by his brothers,

Tim (Mindy) Drake of Tipp City, Dave Drake of Centerville, and Dan (Kellie) Drake of Cleveland, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, James "Jim" Drake of Tipp City, Ohio, and his granddaughter, Adelyn Drake.

Tom was the proud owner of Medway Tool Corporation in Troy, a company he built through hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. While he was proud of the business he built, he was even prouder of the people behind it. He cared deeply for his employees and hoped the people who had worked alongside him for so many years would always

be taken care of. To Tom, business was about building relationships, earning trust, and creating opportunities for others.

His dedication to the Troy community extended far beyond Medway Tool. For nearly twenty years, Tom devoted countless hours to Troy Junior Baseball, serving as both a board member and president. He generously sponsored numerous youth sports teams and loved traveling to Eldora Speedway and other raceways to watch his drivers compete.

Above all else, Tom was a family man. Nothing brought him more joy than having the people he loved together. Whether cheering at a grandchild's game, spending a week at Gun Lake in Michigan, or sitting around the pool with family, those moments meant everything to him. Gun Lake was a place where generations of the Drake family learned to fish and created treasured memories.

Tom appreciated the simple things in life. He loved working in his yard, enjoying a cigar while watching the birds, playing golf, and never missed his Saturday afternoon Applebee's cheeseburger dates with Cathy.

He was an avid Boise State Broncos fan and faithfully cheered on his beloved New York Rangers. He also adored his dogs, Jake and Raymond.

In his final months, Tom was blessed with the compassionate care of his beloved caregiver, Rosie. His family is forever grateful to Rosie, Respiratory Bob, the many hospice nurses, and Jodi for the loving care shown to Tom and his beloved dogs.

Although ALS gradually changed what Tom was physically able to do, it never changed who he was. His quiet strength, determination, and love for his family remained constant.

Tom's legacy is measured not only by the business he built or the organizations he served, but by the lives he touched. He leaves behind a family who adored him, grandchildren who looked up to him, employees who respected him, friends who could count on him, and a community made better because he chose to invest his time, generosity, and heart into it.

He was a man of quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and humble character. Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the traditions he created, and the love he gave will continue to live on for generations. His family finds peace in knowing that his legacy will never fade, and they look forward to the day they are reunited with him in the presence of the Lord where he is whole and healthy.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Baird Funeral Home, Troy. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Troy. Family will receive friends from on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Miami County Animal Shelter or Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.