Mark Drake

Mark Kline Drake, 90 of Aline, Oklahoma passed away peacefully in his home on March 15, 2025.

Born January 10, 1935, in Winfield, Kansas, he was the son of Vernon and Geneva (Weigle) Drake.

Mark graduated from Winfield High School in 1952. In 1952-1956 he attended Kansas State College (University) and received his Bachelor's in Animal Science and as a junior was awarded the American Farmer degree. In 1956 to 1959, he served his country for three years in the Air force, stationed in Alaska for 13 months at Radar Silo, on Fire Island, near Anchorage. He was an agriculture instructor at Winfield High School for two years beginning in 1959. In the spring of 1961 he was hired as the 4H Agent in Saline County, Kansas. From 1962-1964 he attended Wyoming University and earned masters degree in livestock and genetic breeding. In 1964 he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for advanced studies in New Zealand for one year. In 1965 he returned from New Zealand and managed large ranches in Colorado and Wyoming for a ranch management company. With his young family he farmed in the Atlanta, Kansas area in the 1970's and 1980s and served on the local school board. Mark married Paula Christine Anderson in1996.

He is survived by his wife, Paula Christine Drake; His sons, Steve Drake and wife Julia, Gathersberg, Maryland and Dan Drake of Wichita, Kansas. His daughters, Elisa Rottinghaus of Falls City, Nebraska and Andrea Drake, Chicago, Illinois. His brother: Don W. Drake (deceased) and his wife Joan (deceased). His sister: Diane Sidwell and her husband Walter of Tucson, AZ. His grandchildren: Elizabeth Drake, Emmalee Drake, Jackson Drake, Kennedy Drake, Henry Rottinghaus and Charlie Rottinghaus.