Thomas Joseph Drake, 86, of Lockport, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2022. Family and friends will gather at 9:45 AM on Monday, October 31 with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 AM at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 1214 S. Hamilton St, Lockport, IL.  Entombment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Romeoville, IL.  In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorial contributions to the Joliet American Legion Band email: fundraising@jolietlegionband.org or Lockport Chapter of Ducks Unlimited payable to Ducks Unlimited and mail to John Suva;, 13834 W. 151st St.; Homer Glen, IL 60491.

Tom was born February 7, 1936, to Frank and Jeannette (Ballantine) Drake, and was a lifelong resident of Lockport.  Tom married JoAnn DeSandre on June 29, 1957, at St. Dennis Church.

After graduating from Lockport Township High School, Tom continued his education at the Vander Cook College of Music graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education in 1956 and later, a Master of Music Education in 1960.  He was a music educator for 38 years, first at Kelvin Grove Junior High School as Band Director and Music Classroom Instructor in 1956, then as Band Director at District #91 in 1961, and followed by Music Department Chairman at the newly opened Lockport West High School (now Romeoville High School) in 1963.  His student bands were active competitors in both concert and marching band events achieving numerous awards and championships at the high school level.  He was most proud of the accomplishments of all his students throughout his music education career.  Tom received the honor of being designated Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator in 1992 and received the 1993 St. Genesius Award presented by Lewis University, where he was adjunct professor of music, for his dedication to musical enrichment of the community.

When Tom retired from Romeoville High in 1994, he was able to focus his full musical attention on the Joliet American Legion Band.  Tom started with the band in the clarinet section during the 1950s and began conducting the band in 1963.  Under his baton, the band won multiple state and national championship titles and became a local favorite for many Will County residents.  After retiring from conducting the band, Tom continued to participate in their success as Conductor Emeritus and often traveled with the band to concerts and contests.

Tom enjoyed the outdoors as an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer.  He founded the Lockport Chapter of Ducks Unlimited with his long-time friend Dan Tully and was active in the organization as District and Zone Chairman for Illinois.  When not scouting good fall hunting locations or finishing a quick round of golf with his buddies, Tom would head north with JoAnn to their summer home in Wisconsin where they were often joined by extended family.  Tom also enjoyed flying as an accomplished pilot and was president of Drake Aviation.

Most recently Tom was a beloved resident at Heartis Senior Living, Orland Park, IL where he developed new friendships with residents and his caregivers, sharing humor and advice.  The family is forever grateful for the care and love they showed Tom.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn, his parents, Frank and Jeannette Drake and his brother, James Drake.  Tom is survived by his sons, Mark (Kim) Drake of Stilwell, KS, Tim (Theresa) Drake of Lockport; four grandchildren, Alexandra Smith (Nolan), Jennifer, Nicholas and Mallory Drake; one great-grandchild, Rylan Smith, his sister, Patience (George) Roggensack of Madison, WI, and sister-in-law Pamela Drake of Nixa, MO.  Arrangements by O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME.  For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com