Eldon M Drake

Eldon M Drake, 95, passed away Thursday evening June 22, 2017 in Logan, UT. He was born on August 11, 1921 in Wilson Lane, Weber County, UT, the only son of Ira M and Hazel Knight Drake. He graduated from Weber High in 1939 and from Utah State Agricultural College in 1943 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural education. On Valentine's Day, 1943, on a blind date, he met the love of his life, Janice Felt of Huntsville, UT.
WWII was on and he reported for active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. He received his officer's commission and had overseas duty as an infantry platoon leader with the 2nd Marine Division in the Mariana Islands in the Pacific.
On his return to the states in 1945, Eldon and Janice were married by David O. McKay in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Following his military release in June, 1946, he served in the reserves for eight more years, retiring as a captain. Eldon taught for two years at Weber High. In 1948 he entered graduate school at Iowa State University where he received his master's and doctoral degrees.
In 1951, he accepted an appointment at Utah State University in news writing, radio, and T. V. with the College of Agriculture and Utah Agriculture Experiment Station. He later taught classes in the College of Education and served for 25 years as Director of Student Experiences.
In 1973, the Utah Teacher Educators Assoc. named him Utah Teacher Educator of the Year. In 1974, he was given the Dr. Jerry Sherratt Robins Award for work with student organizations. He was College of Education Professor of the Year and a longtime member of the USU Athletic Council. The National Assoc. of Teacher Educators awarded him a laureate for 25 years of leadership. He received the Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award and, in 2001, the USU Hall of Honor Award.
Following his retirement in 1986, Eldon and Janice served as co-presidents of the USU Emeriti. They were lifelong members of the Big Blue Club, sponsored an endowed
scholarship in Secondary Education, and were members of the Old Main Society. In the Cache Chamber of Commerce he received the Ambassador of the Year Award for his work with new merchants.
Eldon served in the LDS Church as ward and stake Sunday School president, bishop's counselor, high counselor and bishop. He was a devoted home teacher for 65 years.
An avid fly fisherman, Eldon continued his quest for Wyoming trout into his mid 80's with his good friend and USU colleague Leon Beutler. He also enjoyed fishing and game bird hunting with his son-in-law, DeeVon, and his grandsons.
Janice, loving wife of 64 years, passed away in 2009. Surviving are daughters: Marilyn Bailey (DeeVon), Sandy, and Susie, all of Logan; grandchildren: Joseph Bailey (Candis), Ann Reese (Kenny), and Eric Bailey (Megan); and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Irene Parker, Iona Stoker, Jean Williams, and Joan Drake.
Services will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 12 noon at the Logan Tenth Ward, 792 N. 500 E. Viewings will be held on Monday, June 26, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center, and from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery with military honors.
The family would like to thank Dr. Russell N. Hirst, Jr., and Sunshine Hospice with special thanks to Dennis, Shalise, Erin, Cody, Dominick, Tyler, Konnor, Amy and Tracy.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net . In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Eldon and Janice Drake Endowed Scholarship, Development Office, Utah State Univ., 1420 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322.