Chester Harold Drake

Chester Harold Drake, 89, of Groves, Texas passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Chester was born on December 15, 1926 in Port Neches, Texas. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in December of 1944 and joined the United States Army where he proudly served in the 82nd Airborne during World War II. He retired from DuPont Sabine River Works in Orange as a Production Supervisor with 38 years of service.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent many hours fishing the waters of Toledo Bend Lake with family and friends. When he was no longer able to enjoy these activities, his favorite pastime was watching football and telling stories about his numerous hunting and fishing trips. For the last few years his constant companions were his two dachshunds Max and Maggie and he could not be found without his 82nd Airborne cap atop his head.
After retiring from DuPont, his working days were not over. Most days he could be found at his church riding the tractor and fulfilling his duties as building & grounds superintendent, grounds keeper, and elder. At the age of eleven Chester accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized at Trinity Baptist Church in Port Arthur where he remained an active member for 78 years. He loved his church family and faithfully served God in numerous capacities. He wore many caps over the years. As a young adult, he coached softball and was actively involved in the bus ministry. He served as the Chairman of Deacons, member of the Board of Trustees, chairman of the pastor search committee, and Sunday school teacher.
Chester is survived by his wife Ruth of 55 years, daughter Kimberly (Don) Jones, son James “Sandy” (Grace) Drake, son Chester “Rusty” Drake, son Benjamin Drake, grandson Donovan Drake, granddaughter Jenna Jones, brother Ray (Helen) Drake, pastor Mike Due, and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Chester was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all.

He is preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Mahaffey Drake, father Chester Harold Drake, sister Francis Drake, and brother Clyde Drake.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am, Sunday, March 6 at Trinity Baptist Church, 4301 32nd Street, Port Arthur, Texas 77642. Pastor Mike Due will be officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at Wilkerson Cemetery in Orange, Texas. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:45 am at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Baptist Church.
The Drake family would like to extend a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice and Gulf Coast Oncology for their loving care and support. A tremendous amount of gratitude is extended to Claybar Funeral Home and Trinity Church for their help with the final arrangements.