Fred Ansel Drake, 92, passed away on November 5, 2016 at his home, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born March 1, 1924 in Freedom, the son of Howard and Alice (Bradstreet) Drake. Fred graduated from Freedom Academy in June 1943 and entered the U.S Army, serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Campaign as a Sergeant with Company I, 103 Infantry. While on the island of Luzon, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal. Upon his return to Freedom, he married Mildred Arlene Stevens in April of 1946. After working odd jobs, he attended Eckels College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia, Pa. graduating in 1949. After doing his internship at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home in Augusta, Fred owned and operated his own funeral home in Freedom. He later returned to Knowlton and Hewins and worked there for many years as an ambulance driver and funeral director until his retirement. After retirement, he and Mildred spent winters in Florida through 2000. Since then, they have been in Maine near most of their family. He was a lifetime member of the Unity Lodge #58, A.F. & A.M. in Thorndike; Joshua H. Drummond #91 O.E.S. in Thorndike and the Dirigo Grange #98 in Freedom. Fred was also a member and past deacon at South Parish Congregational Church UCC in Augusta. Fred was predeceased by Mildred, his wife of over 69 years; a brother Howard M. Drake and his wife Marjorie; his parents; and a special aunt, Evelyn Bradstreet Wright. He is survived by a daughter Donna J. Drake of Augusta; a son Fred Drake Jr. and his wife Patti of Augusta; three grandchildren, Ame Drake and her partner Paula Grotten of Windsor, Tessa Herbold and her husband Pablo of Southboro, MA., and Jeremy Drake and his wife Melissa of Farmington; six great grandchildren, Emily Drake-Michaud, Luke Herbold, Leo Herbold, Evan Drake, Samuel Herbold and Chloe Drake; also several nieces, nephews and cousins. A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, November 9, in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Route 137, in Freedom. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Maine Parkinson Society, 359 Perry Road, Bangor 04401. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta, where condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.