Derek Drake

Our beloved Derek Linn Drake unexpectedly left this earth on September 28th at the young age of 49.  Derek requested a cremation and his ashes to be scattered at Point Park in Pittsburgh.  Derek was a lover of anything Pittsburgh (Steelers, Penguins and Pirates).  Anyone who met him didn’t have to wait long to realize his passion for the Steelers.

Derek is survived by his wife Ellen Courtney Drake (Earp), daughter Chaselyn (James Rawls) Drake, son Derek Cannon Drake, father Audrey Rea Drake, mother Judith Ann Drake (Emery), brother Brian Drake, sister Audrey Drake (Ken) Morgan, Father In Law, Field Earp (Melissa), brothers in law, Jon (Leah) and Connor Earp

Nieces, Brooke Goodman, Jessica Drake, Kelsie Drake (Adam) Olson, Taylor Drake (David Arhelger), Nephew Lucas Earp

Great nieces, Margot Goodman and James Evelyn Drake, great nephew, Elliott Goodman and his love for his fur children- cats Benny and Andy

Preceded in death by paternal grandparents Mary Esther and Harry Drake of Hendersonville and maternal grandparents Mary Belle and Robert Emery of Kittanning, PA. mother-in-law Nancy Darlene Earp and nephew Brett Goodman

Services to celebrate Derek’s life will be held at 3pm on the afternoon of Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Hendersonville Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1pm-3pm prior to the start of the service.

Derek was born on June 30, 1972, at Passavant Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA and soon moved to Hendersonville, TN which he called home for most of his life.  After marrying his wife, they moved to Murfreesboro, TN in 2017.

After graduating from Hendersonville High School in 1990 he attended Union University on a tennis scholarship and graduated in 1994 with a BS in Computer Science.  He was hired by Equinox Information Systems and rose to the position of Sr. Software Developer where he worked for over 25 years.  His dedication and love for his job made him a very valuable asset to the company.  He will most definitely be missed by his co-workers.

Derek met his soulmate in 2014 and they had their first (breakfast) date at The Pancake Pantry since she worked at night.  They have been inseparable ever since and married in 2017.  He loved his wife very dearly and always lit up every time he talked about her.  They loved to travel and go to concerts together and were rarely apart.  He will be watching over her….

Daughter Chaselyn was born in 1997 and was immediately the apple of his eye.  They formed a strong bond and would often be seen at concerts singing together.  It is rare that adult children want their parents to hang out with them but he was always at her side.  He loved his daughter unconditionally and was very proud of the woman she has become.  He will be watching over her….

Son Cannon was born in 2004 and now his family was complete.  Cannon is his “mini me” and you know they would always be watching the Steelers together or playing video games.  Derek cherished the time he spent with his son and loved to cheer him on when he wrestled.  He was very proud of his son and was looking forward to seeing the man he would become.  He will be watching over him….

When he wasn’t going to concerts, wrestling matches or traveling, Derek also developed a love for golf.  He had a love/hate relationship with the sport, and we would give anything to hear him complain about his shots (putts) just one more time.

Derek will be missed terribly by so many but we all know he is in a better place and he is without a doubt watching over his family in heaven just the way he did everyday while he was here with us.

Our lives will never be the same without Derek, but we are thankful and honored that we were able to call him our son, husband, father, brother and Uncle D.  God, please bless him and hold him forever.

Until we meet again, we love you and miss you terribly.