October 8 1930 May 6 2020
William Travis Drake, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on May 6, 2020 at the age of 89. Travis was born in Houston on October 8, 1930 to his parents, William Travis, Sr. (1907-2001) and Lona (1911-1982) Drake. Five years later his treasured sister Ann Drake Pyland (1935-2019) was born to complete their happy family. They lived in Garden Villas where they were Charter Members of the Garden Villas Baptist Church. Travis was baptized at the young age of seven and began his journey in life with God. After graduation from Austin High School in 1949, he began his college career at Baylor University in Fall of 1949. In 1951 he voluntary enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country in the Korean War. In the Navy he was assigned duty as third-class radarman on the Destroyer U.S.S. Bausell. After serving his county with honorable discharge in 1954, he finished his education at the University of Houston and graduated in 1957. After graduation, he began his 39-year career with the Amerada Hess. It was there that he met the love of his life Janeen Jones, and after several bowling dates, the two were married on December 2, 1961. Three children would follow. Together they raised their family with a strong foundation in God. In 1973 the family moved to Martinsville, New Jersey, after Travis was transferred to the Bridgewater office of Amerada Hess. The family enjoyed three happy years there until coming back to Texas in 1976 and settling in Green Tee Terrace in the city of Pearland. It was here he lived until his death. All three children remain in the surrounding area. Travis is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Janeen, daughter Laurie Drake Armstrong, son Brian Drake and his wife Mona, and daughter Cheryl Drake. Also, his cherished grandchildren Stephanie Drake, Travis Drake, Blake Armstrong his wife Maria, great-grandson Winston Armstrong, and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. He was an outstanding bowler winning the Houston Bowling Championship in 1963. Also, he bowled a perfect 300 game in 1961. After retirement in 1996, Golf became his second favorite sport, and he achieved perfection there as well, with a hole-in-one on the 8th hole at the Golfcrest Country Club. He loved animals and the family had many cats and dogs throughout the years. He especially loved: Rusty, Shadow, Sandy, Chloe, Little Bit, Zip, and left behind Sunny, Sam and Gracie. Travis was a true gentleman who was kind, considerate and loyal to his family and others. He will truly be missed by all. Reception to follow at Golfcrest Country Club, 2509 Country Club Dr. in Pearland 77581 **In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite local animal shelter. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. William Travis Drake Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William Travis Drake Jr October 8 1930 May 6 2020.
South Park Funeral Home Cemetery and Crematory
Death notice for the town of: Pearland, state: Texas