Gordon Eugene "Gene" Drake

Some people are known by the many hats they wear. Gene loved that idea. Throughout his life, each hat represented a calling he embraced with purpose—a cowboy hat while farming, an Army hat while serving his country, a mechanic’s hat while running his repair shops, a colonial hat while working at George Washington’s Farm, a bishop’s hat as he ministered to others, and the countless invisible hats of husband, father, grandfather, teacher, mentor, and friend. Whatever hat Gene wore, he wore it with humility, faith, and love.

Gordon Eugene “Gene” Drake, devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend, passed to the other side on August 1, 2026, on the family farm in West Jordan, Utah. 

Gene was born August 19, 1932, to Gordon and Emily Algood Drake, the first of five beloved children: Gene, Marilyn, Ron, Linda, and Tammy. He had fond memories growing up on “Drake Lane” in West Jordan. The family farm was where he first wore the cowboy hat that would become one of his favorites. Gordon and Emily raised him to be faithful, helpful, kind, and generous—and those qualities defined him throughout his entire life. 

After graduating from Jordan High School in 1950, Gene proudly wore the hat of a Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving his country with honor. 

Following his military service, Gene traded his Army hat for a missionary name tag as he served for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States Mission, teaching and testifying of Jesus Christ. While serving, he seized the opportunity to write letters to Joyce Rawlings, and as they say, “the rest is history.” They faithfully corresponded throughout his mission and began dating soon after his return home. These sweethearts were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 8, 1958, for time and all eternity. Their testimonies of the gospel were evident throughout their 54 years of marriage. Together they rejoiced in the births of their five children: Stephen, Mark, Julee, Catherine, and Nathan. 

For a time, Gene wore the hat of a businessman when he and his brother, Ron Drake, were the co-owners of the Murray, UT AAMCO Transmission shop, Drake Bros Super American gas station & QSA Transmissions. Gene built more than good repair shops—he built trust. Customers knew they would be treated honestly and fairly, and Gene took pride in solving problems, fixing what was broken, and helping others keep their lives moving.

For decades, Gene proudly wore the hat of a Vocational Agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at Bingham and West Jordan High Schools. He was loved by generations of students and took many of them on 4-H & FFA trips and competitions throughout the country. Seeing so many former students attend his 90th birthday celebration was a great highlight in his life.

Gene’s faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel remained constant throughout every season of his life. Among the hats he treasured most was serving as a Bishop. He also faithfully served in numerous bishoprics, as a stake executive secretary, a temple worker, and an employment specialist for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each calling was accepted with quiet devotion and a desire to serve. 

No hat fit Gene more naturally than his well-worn cowboy hat. Farming was more than a livelihood—it was part of who he was. His farming hat sheltered him from the sun in South and West Jordan, Corinne and Promontory Point, Utah, and all the way to Albion, Idaho. He loved farming with his boys and with his brother-in-law, Weston Dahl. Whether tending crops, caring for livestock, or lending a helping hand to a neighbor, Gene took care of all within his reach. He was an active participant in the Utah Farm Bureau, Mosquito Abatement Association, and the Sons of the Utah Pioneer groups. He lived the 4-H motto, “Make the Best Better,” striving to leave every person, place, and project better than he found it. 

Perhaps the hats Gene cherished most were those of husband and father. He tenderly cared for Joyce throughout their marriage and especially as her health declined. He became her devoted advocate and caregiver and was heartbroken by her passing in 2012. 

In 2013, Gene married Sharon Bru in the Salt Lake Temple, lovingly welcoming Clint, Melody, Miriam, and Suzy into his family. His capacity to love continued to grow, and so did the circle of those blessed by his kindness. 

Gene wore many hats throughout his life—farmer, soldier, missionary, businessman, teacher, bishop, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, disciple of Jesus Christ, and friend. Every role he accepted was carried with humility, integrity, and genuine love for others. Though the hats have now been laid to rest, the legacy they represent lives on in the countless lives he touched and in the family who proudly carries his example forward. 

He is survived by his children Steve (Lynda) of Provo, Mark (Kristi) of Mona, Julee (David) Chugg of Pleasant Grove, Cathy (Russ) Witt of Heber, and Nathan (Kevin) Wiley-Drake of Hyde Park; his wife Sharon; and Sharon’s children Clint Bru of Salt Lake City, Melody (Bob) Walberg of West Valley City, Suzy (Ross) Woolf of Spanish Fork, and the memory of Miriam Bru, who preceded him in death. 

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11 am in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Building (7255 S. 2200 West, West Jordan, UT 84084). Viewings will be held at the same location on Friday, August 7 from 6-8 pm and Saturday, August 8 from 9-10:45 am

Interment will follow at the South Jordan Cemetery (10630 S. 1055 W., South Jordan, UT 84095) in the care of Wheeler -Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, Orem, UT 84058, 801-225-1530)

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Salt Lake City for their compassionate care, and to the dedicated hospice staff who lovingly cared for our dad during his final days.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to attend in person, you may view the Livestream HERE