RIO - Raymond L. Drake, 94, longtime resident of Rio and most recently of Portage, passed away July 1, 2009, at the Columbia Health Care Center in Wyocena.

He was born April 25, 1915, in the town of Lowville to the late Carl A. and Henrietta Cuff Drake. He graduated from Poynette High School in 1933. He married his wife Margaret on June 5, 1940, and they celebrated over 68 years together until her death Oct. 5, 2008. Raymond worked as a farmer and a service manager at Wyocena Farmers' Co-Op for over 30 years. He also drove school bus for eight years, was a charter member of the Badger Antique Auto Club and the Rocky Run Riders Snowmobile Club, and was a Trustee of the Rock Run Cemetery Association for many years.

He is survived by his son, Richard (Barbara) Drake of Poynette; daughter, Etta (R. Bruce) Hackbart of Poynette; grandchildren, Rod (Sheri) Drake, Andrea (Ron) Kreger, Ryan (Ali) Hackbart; great-grandson, Brett Hackbart; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and his wife, Margaret, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald and Roy; sisters, Dortha Hatch, Vera Jellings, Marjorie Hutchinson and Thelma McLeish; and in-laws, Jesse and Clara McQueen.

Private graveside inurnment at Rocky Run Cemetery will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Smith-Vangen Funeral Home in Rio is assisting the family.