Mary Lou Drake, 81, of Altus, passed away on Nov. 10, 2012. She was born Oct. 21, 1931, in Greer County to Clifton and Eunice Crow. She attended City View from grade school through high school, graduating in 1949. She continued her education at Southwestern State College in Weatherford, attaining a Bachelor’s of Science and a Masters Degree in Education. She married Josh M. Drake, Jr. in April of 1959, in Mangum. Mary was a math teacher in the Altus Public School system for 28 years. She taught at Central Junior High for 12 years and Southeast Junior High for 16 years. Mary earned “Regional Teacher of the Year” honors and was nominated for “Statewide Teacher of the Year” in 1986.

After retiring from teaching, Mary loved to travel which took her to many places in the states and abroad. She was a long time volunteer with the Jackson County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and has also served as President of the Jackson County Retired Educators Association. Mary was also very active in her community, being involved with the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Josh M. Drake, Jr.; three brothers, James, Richard and Border Crow; and a sister-in-law, Claudine Richardson.

She is survived by three sons, Bobby D. Howard and wife Beth of Del Norte, Colo., Douglas D. Howard and wife June of Oklahoma City, and Josh Drake, III and wife Fran of Altus. Mary was blessed with six grandchildren, Scott Howard and wife Malini, Brooke Bos and husband Aaron, Windy Drake, Britney Coats and husband Larry, Brian Howard, and Joshua Drake; and a great-granddaughter, Faye Moore. She is also survived by four sisters, Willene Pryor, Peggy Wright, Ella Sheward and Sue Lindsey; and one brother, Jerry Crow. Mary had a wide circle of special friends and will be greatly missed by all.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at the Kincannon Memorial Chapel with family and friends paying tribute.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the JCMH Volunteer Auxiliary at 1200 E. Pecan, Altus, OK 73521 or the Jackson County Retired Educators Association, c/o Ann Mae Alexander, 16804 South C.R. 206, Altus, OK 73521.

Online tributes may be made at kincannonfuneralhome.com