Oather E. Drake, 99 of Monaville, WV departed this life on Sunday, February 6th, 2022 at his residence. He was born on April 12th, 1922 in Logan, WV to the late Opie and Delphia (Nester) Drake. Oather was a mining engineer for Island Creek Coal and Pittson Coal, and he was one of the two licensed surveyors in Logan county. He was in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II, and he was a member of the Chapmanville Church of Christ. His hobbies include woodworking, bowling, arm wrestling, reading, teaching his grandchildren about history, feeding his birds and squirrels, and chasing his granddaughter Lexi around.

In addition to his parents he is proceeded in death by one daughter, Linda Kurtz; two sisters, Lola Walls and Jessie Accord; three brothers, Quincy Drake, Bethel Drake, Maxwell Drake; three grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 53 years, his best friend, caretaker, who stood by his side until the end. Helen "June Bug" Drake; one son, Eddie Avis; seven daughters, Melissa (Jarrell) Drake-Plumley, Brenda Gish, Donna Wisdo, Nancy Scheller, Darlene (Roy) Justice, Becky (Mike) Jude, Sharon (Raymond) White; one sister, Ann "Toots" Vickers; one very special grandson whom he thought of as a son, Tom (Cindy) Miller; three precious grandchildren, Dylan, Kylee, and Lexi June who were great blessings to both Oather and Helen; two special friends, Bill Waybright and Farron Doss; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

The family is honoring Oathers request to have a private graveside service with Minister Johnny Steele officiating. Honorary pallbearers and pallbearers will include Jarrell Plumley, Dylan Plumley, Roy Justice, Mike Jude, Raymond White, Eddie Avis, Paul Topping, Eric Lee, Tom Miller, Joe Hatcher, and Bill Waybright. In his memory the family asks if contributions are made, to be made to the Chapmanville Church of Christ.