Senator Drake Tribute

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Senator Dick Drake

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I found this when I was rifling through old picture files for my niece.  I worked in Des Moines in 1976 and kept this file photo. - Carolyn Williams

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LINK to Muscatine Journal Article
LINK to Quad City Times Article
LINK to Muscatine Journal Article 1/28

Richard and Shirley Jean Drake photo taken on the day of the Senator’s retirement after 36 years of service. (Photo provided by Susan Cowden)

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“I worked for Dick Drake his last 10 years in the Senate and enjoyed getting to know Shirley. It was such a delight and great pleasure to work for Senator Drake. He was very much respected by both sides of the chamber.” - Susan Crowden

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Representative Tom Sands devoted his newsletter this month to the memory of Senator Richard F. Drake

Senator Richard Drake passed away Saturday at the age of 80.

It was 1969 when Senator Drake was first sworn into office in the Iowa House of Representatives. Most of his adult life was devoted to serving his country and the people of Iowa. He served 8 years in the Iowa House of Representatives and 28 years as an Iowa Senator before retiring in 2004. In addition to being a legislator, he was an Iowa farmer and served in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War. While in Des Moines, Senator Drake chaired the Transportation and Ethics committees. He is remembered in both chambers as a man who reached across party lines to accomplish many goals.

Dick’s nickname was Commander; which was his rank in the US Navy. His stories about his experiences in the Navy and the Iowa Legislature should have been written down for more people to enjoy in the future.

The first two years I served in the Iowa Legislature I roomed with Senator Drake and Representative Jim Hahn. This experience proved to be very valuable for a freshman legislator. The stories and memories that Dick shared were both educational and entertaining. After a long day at the capital, it was just what I needed to end the day.

I first met Dick several years ago when he was my State Senator. I worked with him many times as the Louisa County GOP Central Committee chair. Former Governor Terry Branstad was asked how Dick ran so many successful reelection campaigns. Governor Branstad was quoted as saying “easy, when session was over Dick went home and climbed on the tractor and sent his wife Shirley out campaigning.” They were a great team and complimented each other very well. I once told Senator Drake that if I had a wife like Shirley I would be dangerous.

Senator Drake, with his service to the people of Iowa, has made the state a better place. There is a shortage of people of his caliber willing to serve today in public office. He will certainly be missed. I know that I will miss him and am honored to call him my friend.

Until next time,
Tom Sands

6/23/08

Look what I found! (picture of Dick Drake from 1976)