Rev. Marlin R. Drake

Rev. Marlin R.Drake, 81, of Bolivar passed away on Friday, January 25, 2013 at Hennis Care Center in Bolivar following an extended illness.

Born in Alliance on August 31, 1931, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Gladys (Pomper) Drake. Marlin graduated from Alliance High School in 1948. He continued his education at Wittenberg College in Springfield, Ohio where he attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary. He received his masters in Theology from Capital University. He married Elizabeth Jane Wade on June 10, 1956. Elizabeth preceded him in death on January 29, 1989. He was also preceded in death by his son; Timothy Lee Drake; son in-law, Ronald Moser; and his brother, Duane Drake.

Marlin ministered many Lutheran churches throughout Ohio including parishes in Rowsburg, Convoy, Tiro, Tarleton, and Bridgeport. He spent many years at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dover, where he eventually retired as the Visitation Minister on March 17, 2011, due to a sudden illness. He had a love for collecting stamps and reading science fiction books. Above all, he enjoyed visiting with his friends, family, and parishioners.

He will be sadly missed by his daughter; Susan (Jeff) Seifert of Strasburg; three grandchildren, Brittany (Branden) Bean of Columbus, Cassi (Sean) Newsome of Dover, Shelby Seifert (fianc, Bryar Fitch) of Strasburg; grandchildren, Tysen and Steeler Bean both of Columbus, along with many church friends.

A celebration of Marlin's life will take place at Grace Evangelical Church in Dover on Monday, January 28, 2013 at 11:00 am with Pastor Donald Rice, Jr. officiating. Friends are invited to gather at the church from 9:30 am until the service starts at 11:00. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held in the church social hall. A private interment will take place at Holly Memorial Gardens in Colrain, Ohio. Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover are handling the arrangements.

Those unable to attend, or who would like to share a fond memory of Rev. Marlin may do so by visiting the "Obituaries & Flowers" link on the funeral home's website.

Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 216 N. Wooster Ave, Dover, Ohio 44622.