Cleo Clark Drake

Major Cleo Clark Drake, Retired, age 89, of Bakersville NC, left us on December 6, 2024 while living at Ann Street Senior Living. Clark was preceded in death by his wife Gloria Crisco Drake, daughters Robin Elizabeth Drake, Margaret “Meg” Cynthia Drake and sister Marilyn Waller. Clark is survived by son Douglas (Lori), daughters Julie Bigham, Paula Deese, seven grandchildren; Sarah Chacon (Brandin), Mark Drake(Alicia), Tanner Bigham, Allison Williams, Kristen Cameron (Andrew), Ava Bigham, Shelby Bigham, great grandson Daniel Mark Drake, brothers Reggie Drake (Dale), and Donald Drake (Gail). 

Clark was born on January 6, 1935 in Comer, GA. His family moved to Kannapolis, NC in 1936. He was the son of Joseph Michael Cleo Drake and Fannie Ruth Phelps. On Clark's father’s side he was the grandson of Augustus Samuel “Gus” Drake and Dovie Lizzie Wilson. Great grandson of Josiah Joseph “Joe Sir” Drake and Ida Jane Brown. On his mother side he was the grandson of Charles Allen Phelps and Mary Emma King, great grandson of Jefferson Davis Phelps and Jeannette S Burden. Clark's ancestry tree includes many grandfathers who served in the military and several who fought in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. 

Clark grew up in Kannapolis and was a graduate of AL Brown High School class of 1953. He graduated from Wake Forest University class of 1957. Married Gloria on September 1, 1957. Was a member of the Wake Forest ROTC program and joined the US Army after graduation. Served in the Army until May 1978. He received two Bronze Star Medals, one with Valor during his combat tour in Vietnam. Clark became a Free Mason. After retiring from the Army, the family moved back to Kannapolis. He worked at UNC Charlotte as Telecommunications Manager. Clark retired to Bakersville with Gloria.

 Visitation will be held at Whitley’s Funeral Home on December 30, 2024 from 10:00 – 12:00. The burial will be at Salisbury National Cemetery Annex at 2:30 PM. https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/CLEOCLARKDRAKE/a85a81 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Clark’s name to Pleasant Grove Church, 1717 Harrell Hill Road, Bakersville, NC 28705, or any charity supporting Western North Carolina recovery from Hurricane Helene. 

A memorial to honor Clark’s life will be held at Pleasant Grove Church, 1717 Harrell Hill Road, Bakersville, NC, date to be determined.

 The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support given during Clark's last years. We would like to give a special thanks to Ann Street Senior Living for their excellent care and support.

 Online condolences may be made to the family at Whitley’s Funeral Home website. https://www.whitleysfuneralhome.com/