Son, brother, husband, father, and papa- a force of nature with a laugh larger than life; Charles Edwards Drake, affectionately known as "Charlie", ascended this world peacefully on October 21, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, just one day after making his 83rd birthday. We invite you to join us in celebrating Charlie's extraordinary life and enduring legacy on Thursday, November 2nd at 4:00 p.m. at the Stillwater Country Club. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Charlie, the youngest of three gifted and intelligent siblings, was born on October 20, 1940 to Howard and Marguerite Drake in his beloved hometown of Ponca City, Oklahoma, where he attended Ponca City Public Schools.

During his academic journey, Charlie attended Oklahoma State University from 1958 - 1962, where he pursued his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, majoring in Economics. He furthered his education at Indiana University from 1962 - 1963, dedicating himself to a teaching assistantship and postgraduate studies in Economics. Following his time at Indiana, Charlie achieved his Juris Doctor degree in 1966 from the University of Oklahoma Law School. His exceptional legal acumen shone through as he was inducted into the esteemed Order of the Coif, contributed to the Law Review, served as the President of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and worked diligently as a law intern in Oklahoma City.

In 1966, Charlie embarked on a new chapter of his life, serving as an Attorney in the Civil Division for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. In 1967, he ventured into private practice, where he ardently represented banks, major contractors, lumber companies, oil jobbers, and a diverse range of clients. However, it was within the hallowed halls of Oklahoma State University that Charlie found his true calling. For 39 proud years, he served as the General Counsel to the Board of Regents, leaving an indelible mark on the institution he loved so dearly.

Charlie, a towering figure in both his community and profession, was a respected member of organizations such as the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, the American Bar Association, the Oklahoma Trial lawyers Association and the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce. He also assumed the role of President for the Ponca City local Community Theater and the Ponca Area Council of Camp Fire Girls, an organization close to his heart due to the active participation of his daughters, Kelly and Julie. Additionally, he was a cherished member of the Stillwater Country Club, where he relished decades of golf.

Beyond his lengthy list of professional and civic accomplishments, Charlie's true legacy resides in the vastness of his heart and the love he lavished on his family, whether by blood or by choice. His booming laughter was a wellspring of joy, his wit, a beacon of sharpness, and his eloquence was equaled only by his exceptional capacity for compassionate listening.

In perpetuity, his wife will hold dear the memories of countless journeys as her companion at Oklahoma State Basketball and Football events. His daughters will forever carry the precious gift of his unwavering acceptance and boundless love in their hearts. For his grandchildren, Papa represented a haven of safety and warmth, with his comforting presence and soft belly always at the ready. They will all hold a profound and lasting long in their hearts until the day they are reunited with Charlie.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Marguerite (Edwards) Drake, his brother Lee, and sister Virginia.

Charlie is survived by those who meant the world to him. His loyal and formidable wife, Phyllis (Duty) Drake, who stood by his side with unwavering devotion. His cherished daughters, Kelly Drake of Oklahoma City and Julie Drake of Plano. His grandchildren Caroline (Stanley) Means and husband John Means, Abigail Stanley, Logan Stanley, Wyatt Johnson, Charlie Johnson, and Eli Moore, as well as his precious great-grandchild, McCoy. He is also survived by his niece, Susan Worthington of Stillwater and nephew, David Worthington.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations be directed to the Oklahoma State Foundation at OSUgiving.com.

Though absent in the body, I'm present with the Lord.

I took a trip on that Gospel Ship. I'm glad I came aboard.

If you could only see me now and know the things I know-your tears would turn to laughter, your joy would overflow.

I like it here.

I like it here.

It's great to have the Father of the Universe so near. I like it here. I like it here.

I know it's hard to understand, impossible to know-the reasons why eyes are dry and heads are not hung low.

There's no need for sorry or to sing a sad sad song...praise the Lord I'm where He knew I would be all along.

I like it here.

I like it here.

An online obituary may be viewed, and condolences left for the family at StrodeFH.com.