Robert Bekeley Drake

Dr. Robert (Bob) Berkeley Drake, (Colonel USAF, Retired), age 82, of Pensacola, Florida, died January 29, 2013. He was born November 24, 1930 in Norfolk, Virginia. Bob graduated from Maury High School in Norfolk in 1948. He subsequently graduated from the Medical College of Virginia (now Virginia Commonwealth University) with Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees. He met his future wife, Martha Elizabeth Caskey, during these college years. After marriage, Bob joined the United States Air Force as a new dentist and proceeded to travel the world with Martha while raising four children. In 1969, he went back to school and earned a Master of Science in Dentistry degree in Periodontics from Indiana University. During his career, he authored or co-authored twelve articles in professional journals including the Journal of the American Dental Association, Journal of Periodontology, and the Journal of Dental Research. He was stationed during his 30 year career at various military installations in the United States and the world including (in sequence): Eglin AFB in Florida, Cigli AFB in Turkey, the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, Indiana University in Indiana, Andersen AFB in Guam, MacDill AFB in Florida, Sheppard AFB in Texas, and Pope AFB in North Carolina. As a result of his outstanding leadership skills, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel in 1977. Bob had a great career in the United States Air Force and was very proud of serving his country. After retiring from the Air Force and having raised four successful children, Bob and Martha spent many years enjoying the RV lifestyle traveling all over the United States and Canada. Bob enjoyed many other interests including: golf, house renovations, gardening, reading, woodworking, joke telling, cooking, investments, and stained glass. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren and will be missed by all. He was married 59 years to his loving and devoted wife, Martha. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Brady and Mabel Drake, and his brother, Brady Drake, Jr. He is survived by his wife Martha; four children: Russell Drake (Linda) of Panama City, Florida, Michael Drake (Elizabeth) of Hilton Head, South Carolina, Deborah Fernander (Mike) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Lisa Drake (Judy) of Davie, Florida; seven grandchildren: Ryan, Justin, Charlie, Hampton, Ellie, Katie and David; one great-grandchild (Noah) and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, Pensacola, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Hospice, 5041 North 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32506 or online at www.covenanthospice.org. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, FL is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com. Service: Graveside at Barrancas National Cemetery

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Robert Bekeley Drake

November 24, 1930 - January 29, 2013