Clarence 'Billy' Drake

Clarence Billy Drake, 51, of Danville passed away on September 17, 2007 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Billy was born January 5, 1956 in Danville son of Clarence E. and Charlotte Silberer Drake. He is survived by a brother: Earl (Marge) Drake of Lafayette, IN; four nieces: Sheri, Deanna, Jamie, and Melissa; aunt: Mary Kerst of Danville; special friends and cousins: David Kerst, Shirley Davis, and Mary Stevens. He was preceded in death by his parents and uncles: Bill of Danville & Don of Phoenix, AZ. Billy was a graduate with Honors from Danville High School & William Jewell College. After earning his degree in therapy, he worked for the VA Hospital in Danville as an Aquatic Therapist for many years. He loved to play the drums and did so for ten years for the band Sundowners as well as for the patients at the hospital. He was a member of Lincoln Methodist Church Danville for a several years. Billy enjoyed building model cars and loved collecting baseball cards, sports memorabilia of all kinds especially Cubs, Bears, & Illini items. Billy liked to make beaded necklaces for the nieces during his rehabilitation. A Celebration of Billys Life will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, September 20, 2007 at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL with Pastor Ken Cox officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm Wednesday evening at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com