Carson Lee Drake

It is with profound sadness that the family of Carson Lee Drake, age 69, announces his passing on October 10, 2024. A resident of Bear, Delaware, he is survived by his wife of 36 years, Karen

Wiedenmann Drake; brothers Max Drake and Fred Drake; sister Pattie Peel (Jimmie); brothers-in-law Keith Wiedenmann (Shirlann), Bob Wiedenmann (Colleen), Rick Wiedenmann (Linda); many cherished members of his extended family, and "Lucy", a rescue beagle who was recently adopted. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margarette Evelyn McCoy and Bethel Howard Drake; in-laws Catherine H. Wiedenmann and Capt. Russell Wiedenmann (Ret.); and sister-in-law Betty Drake (Fred). Sister-in-law Jackie Drake (Max) passed only days afterward. Also preceding him in death were their beloved pet rabbit, Rascal, and beagle rescues Cricket, Alex, and Snoop Dogg.

A native Delawarean, Carson graduated from Dickinson High School in 1973. He was the owner of Drake's Garden Center, which he operated on Kirkwood Highway for many years. He was known for his business savvy and his wealth of knowledge about many subjects, making him a nearly unbeatable Trivial Pursuit opponent. Additionally, Carson was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed competing in a fantasy football league along with his brother-in-law, Keith. He loved coaching Little League baseball within the community and was an ardent follower of the Philadelphia Phillies as well as the Philadelphia Eagles—when they won the Superbowl in 2018, he shaved his mustache off for the first time. As a lifelong college football fan, his favorite team was the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide. Roll, Tide, Roll!

A collector of vintage Tonka trucks and Hess vehicles, which included several from his own childhood, Carson proudly displayed his extensive convoy for family and friends to enjoy. He was also an outdoor enthusiast, whether working on their property or planning expeditions to explore the beauty of the national parks, especially Acadia National Park. Carson and Karen were veteran hikers and mapped several extended journeys that took them to nearly every state, trekking mountains, trails, and even hardened lava. Vacations varied from holiday weekend getaways, numerous cruises, travelling to many destinations, such as Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Bar Harbour; they enjoyed whale watching tours, the magnificent scenery of Alaska, the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival, and island life in Hawai'i—even witnessing a volcanic eruption. But rarely did they miss an opportunity to spend time in their beloved Coastal Maine, often joined by one of their devoted beagles.

Carson's heartfelt impact on the lives of others is a common thread that resonates deeply among those who knew and loved him. Carson loved his family, his friends, and could connect in conversation with anyone. He would do anything he could for someone and often did.

A visitation hour with the family is scheduled for 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 16th at Galena Funeral Home, 118 West Cross Street, Galena, Maryland 21635, followed by a Celebration of Life, with the opportunity for family and friends to share memories and stories. Burial service will be private. In lieu of flowers, Carson's wish was that donations would be made to an animal rescue/shelter.