Drake Louis Darlak, 76, of Oswego, Illinois passed away at home on February 22, 2022. Drake was born on February 10, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois, the only child of Louis A. and Suzanne (nee Wojciezak) Darlak, who preceded him in death. Drake is survived by his precious love and wife, Pamela, his daughter Stacey (Paul) Smith, grandchildren Cody (Emily) Drew, Gaites Drew and Luke (Tori) Drew; his daughter Carrie (Mark) Montalto, grandchildren Sarah Sherman, Zachary Sherman, Kyle Sherman, Emily (Tim) Zapp and great-grandson Weston Zapp; his son Brandon (Missy) Navarro, granddaughter Sophia, grandson Hunter; and his son Ian Navarro. Drake graduated in 1964 from William J. Bogan High School in Chicago, and then joined the Air Force "to beat Uncle Sam drafting me" during the Vietnam War. He actively served at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio until September 1965, then transferred to the Air Force Reserves, serving until June 1970. Ironically, subsequent to his Air Force days, Drake had a strong fear of flying in anything that didn't provide him a parachute but faced his fear head on, flying to Camp Pendleton to attend Brandon's homecoming after his deployment in Afghanistan. He began his career with AT&T (Illinois Bell Telephone) as a PBX installer before being promoted to management and remained with AT&T until being laid-off in 1994. Concurrent with his time at AT&T, Drake also worked part time for several years in the career he loved most as a law enforcement officer with the Orland Park Police Department and as a Firearms Instructor with the Cook County Sheriff's Office. At the time of his departure from AT&T, Illinois had lifted its maximum age requirement of 35 to become a police officer. (It's rumored that Drake is the reason it was rescinded after a few years.) At the age of 49, Drake became the oldest recruit graduating from the Illinois State Police Academy. Drake's career with the West Chicago Police Department was somewhat legendary due to his fondness of committing random acts of shenanigans on his fellow officers as well as his rare talent of being able to scoop up lost golf balls from Pheasant Run Golf Course from his squad car without stopping, car door open, juggling cigarette, coffee and mic. Second only to his love of family was his love of cars, although his family sometimes questioned the pecking order. Pam often chided him for not disclosing his passion for cars prior to their marriage. He traded in cars so often it was rumored at the police department that he belonged to the Car of the Month Club. His last car is a 2010 special edition Dodge Challenger that was purchased with the promise to Pam that he would quit smoking immediately if she let him buy it. Eight years and a paid off car later, he finally did. Drake loved fiercely and laughed with his eyes. His smile and laugh were infectious and lit up the darkest of rooms. He was old-school, believing in self-reliance, hard work, and loyalty. The family would like to thank Unity Hospice for their brief, but amazing care for Drake, and support of Pam through his transition. Pam would also like to thank their Park Place neighbors for the love, hugs, and available shoulders during Drake's illness. Donations in his name may be made by the charity of the donor's choice. Family and friends will gather on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at The Dunn Family Funeral Home 1801 So. Douglas Road Oswego, IL. 60543 from 12:00 NOON until time of Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. Full military honors will conclude the services under the auspices of the United States Air Force. For information, contact (630) 554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com.