Celebrating the remarkable life of Jerry Drake, 92, of Guthrie, Oklahoma, who passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, surrounded by comfort, care, and the gentle presence of those who adored her. She was born on April 5, 1933, in Hydro, Oklahoma, to Clyde and Edna (Mc-Caslin) Compton, and spent her childhood in Binger, Oklahoma. From the start, Jerry was known for her kind heart, a bit of quick wit, and an unwavering positive spirit. She had a gift for elegance, always stepping out with care and a touch of her own signature flair. She carried herself with effortless poise and grace, and her refined taste shone through in everything she did. Jerry always made it a point to make everyone feel cared for and to always make time for others.
Jerry graduated from Binger High School in 1951 and, during her teenage years, worked as a soda jerk at an oldfashioned soda fountain, where she made ice cream sodas, milkshakes, malts, and sundaes. Soon after her high school graduation, she married the love of her life, Joe Edward “J.E.”Drake, on May 25, 1952, at the First Baptist Church in Binger. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in devotion and laughter, sharing 55 wonderful years before J.E.’s passing in 2008.
While J.E. served in the Air Force and during his college years, Jerry worked at various jobs to support Joe’s aspirations. Later, she found her calling in banking before devoting herself to being a homemaker after Joe graduated from dental school.
Initially, they had planned to start a home in Tulsa near Joe’s brother, but as fate would have it, they met Grace Calkin, who insisted that Guthrie was their destiny. Grace welcomed Jerry and Joe into her home and spent weeks convincing them that Guthrie was the ideal place to raise a family and start a dental practice. Grace was right. In 1959, they made Guthrie their home, purchasing the dental practice of Dr. Rolla Calkin and building a life full of love, community, and purpose.
Jerry loved a good laugh and brought a playful, sometimes even silly spirit to her home and family life. She was competitive and enjoyed playing games, as well as a round of golf, proudly boasting of her three hole-in-ones! She loved writing in her daybook and kept a thoughtful, detailed schedule of the family’s daily to-dos. Jerry also had a tasteful creative side and found joy in crafts, gardening, decorating, and taking pictures throughout the years. In their younger years, Joe and Jerry enjoyed hosting friends for cocktail gatherings and Super Bowl parties that often included lively games of bridge and rummy. She was also known for making the holidays an especially meaningful and memorable time for her family.
Jerry was active in Beta Sigma Phi, the Guthrie Historical Society, various bridge clubs, and the PTA when her children were in school. She loved serving as a docent at the State Capitol Publishing Museum, where she shared her appreciation for history and storytelling with visitors. She also supported the Masonic Temple, championing its concerts and community activities. She was passionate about golf and spent countless happy hours at the Guthrie Golf and Country Club. As a proud member of the Women’s Golf Association, she treasured not just the game but the friendships it brought into her life. Jerry and Joe often brought golf into their travels, frequently visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico, and many other favorite courses throughout the United States. She loved to reminisce about some of the most memorable courses she played, including those in Ireland and Hawaii.
Those who knew Jerry will remember her gentle strength, radiant smile, kind heart, and her ability to make everyone feel seen and cared for. She was a private woman, yet also a person of enduring love and quiet humor. A steady presence, she brought warmth and stability wherever she went. Family and friends will remember her for always preparing snacks for a
Published in the Guthrie News Leader - November 19, 2025
crowd of children; her kitchen and home were always open to everyone.
After J.E. ‘s retirement in 1996, they enjoyed their golden years in South Padre Island, Texas, where the family made many cherished memories by the sea. Jerry lived a life of quiet grace and steadfast generosity.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for Jerry, including Companion Healthcare, Golden Age Nursing Facility, and Celebration Senior Living in Denison, Texas. Your compassion, dedication, and support brought comfort to her and her family and will always be remembered with heartfelt appreciation. Survivors include her children: Cristy O’Keefe and husband Kelly, Cara Farek, Carla Wilson and husband Kelly, and Eddie Drake and wife Terri. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, 15 greatgrandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; parents, Clyde and Edna Compton; brothers, Billy and Tommy Compton; sisters, Bobby Nix and Patty Mogg; and son-in-law, Steve Farek.
A memorial graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Summit View Cemetery (1808 N. Pine St., Guthrie, OK 73044).
Services are under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at hayesfh.com.