Michael Alan Drake, age 71 of Newark passed away Monday September 7, 2026, at Licking Memorial Hospital with his loving wife by his side. He was born July 26, 1955, in Zanesville to the late Carlton L. and Jean F. (Hagans) Drake.

Michael was a 1976 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He served in the United States Army from 1972 to 1980 in the101st Airborne and 588th Maintenance Divisions. Michael obtained his Electromechanical Engineering Degree from COTC. He was an avid gardener with an extensive Orchid collection.

Michael is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandra J. (Buckingham) Drake; children, Sarah (Jason) Lambert, Adam (Shirley) Drake, Matthew (Shannon) Drake; grandchildren, Haley Drake, Alyssa Tokar, Logan Drake, Michael Lambert, Sophia Drake, Cynthia Drake, Adam Drake Jr., Miles Drake, Vincent Drake, Finley Drake, Dimitri Drake; great granddaughter, Leah Lambert; siblings, John (Patty) Drake, Ruth (Charles) Bugglin, Rachel (Paul) Nauta, Mary Oliver; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM, Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the White Sparrow Events 675 Heath Road, Heath, Ohio 43056.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Michael and his family. Please visit www.hoskinsonfuneral.com to share a special memory or leave a message of condolence for the family