Floyd "Richard" Drake was born July 29, 1938 in Marshall, Texas to Elva Emma (Whitaker) Drake and Floyd Winfield Drake. Richard left this earth on April 19, 2018 after a lengthy illness surrounded by his wife and four children.

Richard graduated from W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi, Texas…class of 1956. He studied Architectural Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. His activities included membership in Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and the ROTC. After receiving his BS in 1961, he served in the Army Corps of Engineers as 1st Lieutenant in South Korea for 18 months where he learned to speak the language which gave him much joy back in the states every time he would meet a person who spoke the Korean language.

When his army tour of duty concluded, Richard made his home in Dallas, Texas with an engineering consulting firm. Soon, he took a job as a structural engineer at Delta Steel Building Company in Dallas. He met his wife, Janet Worley, in Dallas. They were married in 1965. Richard enjoyed volunteer work with the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce.

In 1967, Richard and Janet moved to Houston. Richard worked in the metal building manufacturing business for decades before starting his business, United Structures of America in July 1980.

Richard served on several bank boards. His knowledge of Old Master paintings was used on the Old Master Committee of Houston Museum of Fine Arts. He was active in First United Methodist Church where he served as a Trustee. He was a member of the Founder's Circle of Houston Christian High School. Richard was Honorary Consul to the Republic of Estonia.

Survivors include, his wife Janet;

Sister, Mary Major Harris and brother-in-law, C.E. "Duke" Harris of Denver, Colorado

Children David Winfield Drake and spouse, Jamye LeBlanc Drake, Danielle Rhae and spouse, Erik Daugbjerg, Dain Richard Drake and spouse, Shannon Claiborne Drake, and Damon Wesley Drake and spouse, Kimberly Laura

11 grandchildren: Dalton and Dayna Drake; Rett, Britton, and Faye Daugbjerg; Isaac and Zoe Drake; Dylan, Hudson, Benjamin, and Lillie Drake

Brother-in-law, Billy Norris in Ft. Worth

Sister-in-law, Melinda Worley and her daughters, Heatherly, Christanne, and Elena

Nieces and nephews: Amy Norris Sadaune, Mike Norris, Debbie Serot, Tracie Major McLellan, and Mike Major

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers-in-law Tom Major and David Worley, Jr., and his sister-in-law, Irene Norris. He had many pets of the 53 years of marriage with favorites, Louis and Vigee.

In lieu of flowers or contributions, the family would prefer to say thank you for many years of friendship. Memories are the greatest gift. If you would like to honor Richard, a donation may be made to National Kidney Foundation – Nashville, TN.

Texas Home Health has provided months of very knowledgeable physical therapists and nurses during Richard's illnesses, and Houston Hospice is so appreciated for their comfort care. Our family is very grateful for the loving caregivers, Jennifer Taylor and Jackie Eberhart who kept Richard comfortable this past year in our home.