Drake E. Omstead, 81, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away at 12:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw.

He was born Oct. 25, 1931, in Hackensack, N.J. He married childhood sweetheart Janis Tullis of Andrews, Ind., on May 29, 1953, and had 60 years of marriage.

As a young man, Drake achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and roamed Philmont scout camp in New Mexico.

He attended Andrews High School, class of 1949. He received his Bachelor’s degree in music from Ball State, graduating in 1953. Drake went on to receive his Master’s degree from Western Michigan University.

Drake served his country honorably for a term of service in the Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain

A lover of music and the education of young people, he spent more than 20 years as a band director in northern Indiana and southern Michigan schools. Later he embarked on several entrepreneurial ventures, most recently an owner of Team CKD Transport LLC.

He enjoyed a lifetime fascination and passionate interest with model railroading. In fact, his first words as an infant were “Choo-choo!” He is known throughout the nation as an aficionado of operating sessions and is a published author of countless railroad articles in hobby publications.

He is survived by children: Claudia Archer, Warsaw; Robert (Alaska), Carl, California; and John Omstead, Mokena, Ill.; and grandson: Trevor Omstead, Naperville, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Trevalyn and Katherine Omstead; a brother: Harvey Omstead; and a son: David Omstead.

Calling hours are scheduled 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Celebrations United Methodist Church, Winona Lake, Ind. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. Pastors Holly White and Cindy Gackenheimer will officiate. A private interment service will be held.

The family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Our Father’s House,
401 Argonne Rd., Warsaw, IN 46580.