John P. Drake

John, who passed away on March 1, 2024, had a love affair with his wife Donna Sandage and service to others.  He was proud of passing the CPA exam in 1995, at 40 years old.  He married the love of his life, Donna, in 1991, whom he met at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

As a pair of avid travelers, they took cruises to Europe, Latin America, the Panama Canal, and China, two pilgrimages together to Italy and Egypt and traveled to most of the states in the U.S. Talking about travel brought a smile to John’s face.

John gave of himself graciously to non-profit causes such as: Earth Charter, Circles – Indy, Urban Mission Branch of the YMCA, and the Emberwood Center.  John served as Board Treasurer for all of these organizations.   John also gave of his time to the churches he and his wife attended.  He served as Treasurer at Bethlehem Lutheran Church as well as Chair of the Finance Committee at North United Methodist Church.

John worked for non-profits serving as Chief Financial Officer for Emberwood Center, Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, 40 & 8, and North United Methodist Church in a career that covered thirty years of his work life.  John loved to work and serve non-profit organizations.  He served these organizations as a way to express his desire to give back and to leave a lasting impact.

John pushed himself to excel beyond what was expected of him.  Passing of the CPA exam being a prime example.  He took part in Toastmasters to help him overcome his tendency to be an introvert.  He used the speaking skills he learned to read scripture in church, present workshops for Contemplative Outreach of Indianapolis, and speak up for others as needed.

John and Donna had subscriptions to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and loved to attend plays at the Phoenix Theatre and the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre.  John was a life-long fan of the Cincinnati Reds.  He attended games in Cincinnati as often as possible.

John was preceded in death by his parents: Joy Priscila Drake and John William Drake.  He is survived by his wife, Donna Sandage; sisters, Betty Lou Ayers, Carol Jean Purdue and Barbara Ann Cushman; and his brother, Michael Drake.

A memorial service in John’s memory will be held at 4pm on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN.