Randolph Thomas "Randy" Drake

Randolph Thomas “Randy” Drake, 67, of Godfrey, Illinois, passed away on October 16, 2026. A scientist by training and a person of deep Christian faith, he was endlessly curious and spiritual, believing in an afterlife where discovery continues.

Randy lit up every room he entered. He saw people without judgment and met them where they were, quick to lend a helping hand or a hug and he often turned everyday moments into memories.

He met his wife, Mary, in the early 1980s, and they married in November 1990. Over 36 years together they raised four children, built two careers, and enjoyed countless adventures. Fatherhood suited him and he embraced it with his whole heart. He was proud of each of his kids, delighted with who they were becoming, and overindulged them in the best possible way. Being their dad was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Randy earned his degree in biology from SIU-Edwardsville and devoted his career to protecting the environment by helping industries meet complex compliance needs. He could untangle complicated problems with ease. Clients trusted him, colleagues learned from him, and he was respected across the industry.

Randy was a natural athlete. A standout soccer player at McCluer North High School and Florissant Valley Community College, Randy later discovered Ultimate Frisbee with high school friends around 1980. He helped found The Tunas and was a driving force in growing the sport in St. Louis. In just four years, the team rose from a local summer league to world champions, a climb that stunned the sport. Randy was their steady backbone on and off the field.

Randy loved the St. Louis Blues, the Cardinals, his music, and using his wits at the racetrack. He loved a good dinner complete with multiple appetizers, drinks and desserts and was an avid reader, devouring everything from technical journals to science fiction and historical novels. Randy loved the holidays and all the traditions associated with them. He also enjoyed attending big sporting events, including game 7 of the Blues 2019 Stanley Cup victory in Boston and many Cardinal World Series games.

He was a true Renaissance man.

Randy is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Madeline (Cory), Benjamin (Claudia), Thomas (Ella), and Charles; his grandsons, Jesse and Nathaniel; and his siblings, Richard (Julie) Drake, Renee Kleffner, Jodie Wolfe and Brad Drake. He was a loving brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to countless people. He was preceded in death by Carol and Mathias Hermann and Richard Drake.

Services: A celebration of life will be held at FAMILY CENTER at SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Missouri, Sunday, October 25, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Please bring your stories as we will open the floor for sharing at 3:00 p.m. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.