Dr. Calvin L. Drake

Calvin Lynn Drake, son of Lawrence and Rose, was born August 18, 1933, in Piedmont, KS where he attended grade and high school. He was active in 4-H, youth league baseball, and basketball He received a BS degree in Animal Sciences in 1955, then entered the army. In November he married his high school sweetheart Mary Louise Moore. After the service he joined the University of Arkansas staff where he coached the livestock judging team, taught classes while getting a masters degree. Calvin ran an oil well crew for a while before returning to K-State for his PhD in Animal Nutrition. After a few years at VPI in Blacksburg, Virginia he returned to K-State in 1966. In 1971 he joined AID Company managing three feed lots. While there he obtained his flying license. While at Arkansas City feed lot he flew to several southeastern states often to check cattle. In the fall of 1979 he returned to K-State working with the Livestock and Meat Industry Council and teaching. After returning in 2000, Calvin enjoyed working with his Simmental Cattle and cutting cedar trees. He was active in the Methodist church being an usher for many years. He played softball on the Animal Science team and basketball with the graduate students until he was 81. He judged livestock shows from North Carolina to Hawaii, water skied, snow skied, and loved to fish. He leaves his wife of 62 years, his son Darren and wife Adryanna, and grandson Samuel. A Celebration of Life will be April 28 at 2 pm in First Methodist Church, 6th and Poyntz. Memorial contributions may be made to Farm House Fraternity, First United Methodist Church, or the Calvin Drake Student Enrichment Fund.