Robert ”bob” A. Drake

Robert A. Drake, age 44, of New Philadelphia, died Monday, April 19, 2010, in Union Hospital at Dover following an unexpected illness.A son of Robert L and Carol (Guseman) Drake of Canton, “Artie” as he was known as a young boy was born at Circleville, Ohio on April 18, 1966 and was raised in Canton.While he is still known as Artie to his early childhood friends and family, he became known as Bob to many of his friends from teenage years to present. He was a 1984 graduate of Canton South and following graduation would complete an apprenticeship with the Timken Company where he learned to become a precision machinist. Following the Timken Company, Bob was employed by Precision Component Industries at Canton and truly enjoyed the many specialty tasks he was given.In his spare time, Bob enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and especially enjoyed the opportunity to participate in benefit runs for various causes. He also enjoyed playing guitar and listening to music and spending time with his canine companion, Fergie. Additionally, Bob was a fan of sports and enjoyed fishing trips to Tappan and Atwood Lake.In addition to his parents, Bob leaves behind a family that includes his wife, Valerie (Clinton) Drake, whom he married June 12, 2006; his former wife and mother of his sons, Becky Lee; two sons, Zach and Spencer Drake of Canton; two step-daughters, Jessica Drake of Canton and Danelle Festi of Dover; a sister, Susan (Kenny) Sales; two nephews, Mckenzie and Ryan Sales and a niece, Christian Sales all of Canton.A step-grandmother, Mary Drake of Magnolia; two uncles, Richard (Deborah) Drake of Canton and Billy Drake of Magnolia; two aunts, Debi (Frank) Buck of Columbus and Mary (Richard) Woble of North Carolina; and a great-aunt and great-uncle Mary and Boyd Raines of Akron complete the family.Bob was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 24, 2010, from 12:00 Â? 2:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Brian Flood will lead a service celebrating Bob’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at 2:00 PM. In keeping with Bob’s wishes, cremation will follow services. Those unable to attend may send the family personal condolences by signing the online guest registry located on the funeral home’s website.The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Directions Credit Union, 1127 Fourth Street NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, where a memorial fund has been established in his name.It was Bob’s wish to give one final gift and this was done through the gift of sight to another through eye donation.