Lemuel A. Drake, age 77 of North Zulch, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at his home. Funeral services are set for 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 12, at the Willowhole Chapel in North Zulch with burial in Willowhole Cemetery. Rev. Sam Manning will officiate. Pallbearers are Darren Drake, Steve Runnels, David Stewart, Roger Swinner, Joe Lloyd Cannon, Butch Swinner, Kenneth Akins and Glenn Loveless. Honorary pallbearers are T.W. King, J.P. Watson and Kenneth Spikes. Visitation hours are from 3 pm. to 8 pm. with the family present from 6 pm to 8 pm today at Madisonville Funeral Home. Mr. Drake was born on March 16, 1932 in Madison County to Lemuel, Sr. & Edna (May) Drake. He was a lifetime resident of Madison County. Mr. Drake operated L.A. Drake Construction and worked as a heavy equipment operator. He was also a rancher working with cattle. Mr. Drake had been a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers since 1951. He was a hard worker and enjoyed visiting with his friends and family and getting together for Bar-B-Qs and fish fries. He served in the US Army. Mr. Drake was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Pat Drake of North Zulch; sons, Gene Drake & wife, Deana of North Zulch, Floyd Drake & wife, Rhonda of North Zulch; daughter, Shirley Cannon & husband, Joe Lloyd of Madisonville; brothers, Otis Drake of Canyon, Travis Mathis & wife, Sarah of Caldwell; sisters, Mildred Kuykendoll of North Zulch, Johnnie Sue Crouch & husband, Joe Bob of Brazoria; seven grandchildren, Darren & Amy Drake, Ashley & Waylon Childress, Corey Jo Cannon, Lori Lee Cannon, Jennifer Roll, Chadd & Alishia Kenne, Chance Mandrell and six great grandchildren, Dylan & Dallas Drake, Alex & Mikayla Vogeler, Cameron Thompson and Austin Kenne.