Obituary of Matthew R. Drake

Matthew Robert Drake, born on June 19, 1974, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024, in Longview, Texas, surrounded by his friends from Longview (whom he considered family) and his brother, Chris, sister-in law, Carolyn, and two nieces, Emma and Elisabeth. Matt is also survived by his sisters, Kelly (Drake) Burlarley and Karen Drake, his brother Darrell Drake, and their respective families. Matt was preceded in death by his father, David Drake, and his mother, Jane (Conley) Drake. Matt was an accomplished high school and collegiate golfer. He played on the varsity golf team at his alma mater, Siena College. After working as a golf professional in Michigan, Matt went on to pursue a successful career in operations at various companies, including General Motors and Ultralife Corporation. At the time of his passing, Matt was the Operations Manager for STEMCO in Longview. Matt was a natural leader of people. While Matt's job description throughout his career was operations, his business was developing people and building teams. He had a particular passion and talent for seeing the potential in the people who worked for him and making them see that potential in themselves and, most importantly, to feel valued as human beings. Matt, referred to as "Drake" by friends, will be remembered most for his larger-than-life personality and an even bigger heart. Matt loved his family deeply and unconditionally, and he is loved in the same way. He was especially proud of his nieces for the kind and caring people they are, and all that they accomplished so far in life. Matt made friends wherever he went. He especially enjoyed the weekends poolside with his Longview friends. Matt loved children and was known by his nieces and children of friends as "Uncle Matt." Countless children have fond memories of Uncle Matt launching them in the air, in the pool, only to splash down somewhere off in the distance. Matt's purpose in life, which he endeavored to live every day, was to bless people and brighten their lives. On that score, Matt lived his life successfully and wholeheartedly! In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Matt's honor to Mental Health America. https://mhanational.org/