Don E. Drake, 87, of Malta, passed away on Tues. May 5, 2026 at the Highland Oaks Nursing Home. He was born on Aug. 27, 1938 in Union Township to the late Albert E. Drake and Hazel Fuller Drake. Don proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Don was a farmer and involved in many agriculture activities. He had also been a Union Township trustee and a bus driver for Morgan Local Schools. He was a member of the Morgan County Agriculture Society (Fair Board), Muskingum County Livestock Board of Directors, Morgan County Farm Bureau, FFA Alumni Association, Guernsey-Nobel County Feeder Calf Association and American Legion Post # 23 in McConnelsville. In 2016 he was the Morgan County Soil and Water Cooperator of the year and in 2024 he and Linda were inducted into the Morgan County Agricultural Hall of Fame. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Angela) Drake of Malta, daughter, Jennifer (Donald) Murphy of Malta, grandchildren, Dalton and Peyton Drake, Kayla, Erica and Allan Murphy, along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife of 57 years, Linda Drake, brothers, Harold and Herbert Drake and sisters, Kathleen Hurst and Baby Girl Drake. Matheney Funeral Home in McConnelsville is handling a caring cremation. A graveside service will be held on Sat, May 16, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at the Pennsville Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morgan Soil & Water Conservation District Office, 167 S. Kennebec Avenue, McConnelsville, Ohio 43756. Please make checks payable “In Memory of Don Drake.” Donations will be used to support improvements at the Morgan County Fairgrounds.