Thurman Lloyd Drake Sr.

THURMAN LLOYD DRAKE SR. of Zanesville, passed away on February 12, 2022.   Thurman leaves behind his wife, of 57 years Elizabeth Jane “Betty” (Pickrell) Drake, whom he married September 20th 1964; his daughters, Nadine Martin and Renae Pontious and son, Thurman (T.L.) Drake Jr. He also leaves 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 6 great, great grandchildren. Thurman was born in Cannelville, on September 22, 1928.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Bertha (Scott) Drake, his brothers, Dale and Merle Drake and his sisters, Bernice Hina, Mildred Dover, Evelyn Dils, Eloise Lashley, and Ruth Russell, his oldest son, Terry Drake, his youngest daughter Denise Drake and son-in-law, Bob Pontious.

For over 19 years Thurman worked at Burnham Boiler as a machinist.  He also owned and operated Drake’s Sewer and Septic Tank Service for over 24 years.  Thurman originally became a Mason in 1952 and rose to the rank of 32nd degree Mason.  Since 1986, as an active member of the Amrou Grotto Clowns, he rode a hand carved wooden donkey and was known as “Smiley” the clown.    

For 30 years, Thurman shared the joy of laughter and Christmas cheer with generations of families throughout many cities and counties around Southeastern Ohio.  Starting in 1986, Thurman designed and built his own large Christmas decorations with many of them made to move and turn.  Each year Thurman added at least one new and original Christmas creation.   Thurman loved watching children come from miles around to see his decorations.  He routinely stayed outside in the freezing cold just to see the children’s faces and the faces of their parents and Grandparents as they stood in awe and wonderment at his displays.   Many times, families would come stating they had been visiting for 20 or more years.  Thurman loved watching the children’s eyes light up and talk excitedly about all they were seeing.   Thurman expressed his gratitude for his children, grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law’s, nephews, nieces and many friends who helped put up and take down the Christmas decorations.  Thurman shared his love for children and for Christmas with all of us and helped families remember the important things in life.

Thurman was a great provider, teacher, husband, father, grandfather, giver, craftsman and friend.   He was truly an original who spent his life helping others and bringing joy to hundreds of thousands.    He will be missed by all.

Friends and family may call from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE where services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 16, 2022 with Pastor Chuck and Pat Gamble officiating.  Lodge of Amity # 5 will hold masonic services at 5:45 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Thurman will be laid to rest at Zanesville Memorial Park, Zanesville.

To send a note of condolence to the family or order flowers: visit: www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at 740-452-4551.

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