Billy Elmer Drake

Billy Elmer Drake, 89, of Lewisville, ID, passed away September 22, 2025, in the comfort of his home. Billy (Bill) was born on September 10, 1936, in Lorenzo, Idaho, to Sadie Ellen (Merrill) Drake and Elmer R. Drake. Bill was raised on their family farm in Lorenzo as the youngest of three children. Bill was close to his older brother Harold of Lorenzo and his older sister Kathleen (Kate) of Salmon.

Bill married his “sweetheart”, Arlene Guidinger Drake (1937-2023), on September 10, 1953, in Idaho Falls, a wonderful birthday present for Bill. They enjoyed 69 years of marriage. They met in Lorenzo as young kids. Together, they raised two sons, Craig and Randell (Randy) Drake. Bill and Arlene’s marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on September 6, 2003.

Bill was no stranger to hard work. As a young man, he worked for local farmers; later, Bill and Arlene owned their own printshop. Bill later worked as a Lineman at the INL until His retirement. Bill and Arlene have a wonderful family. Together, they had two sons, six grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Bill and Arlene loved traveling in their motor home. They enjoyed being “snowbirds” in their home in Arizona. Their “puppies” were always a topic of conversation. Bill was a lifelong avid Fly fisherman. There isn’t a stretch or body of water around that Bill hadn’t either landed a fish, wetted a line, or at least dreamt of fishing in. Bill will always be remembered for his smile, friendly personality, and sense of humor.

Bill is survived by his sons, Craig (Karol) Drake, Lewisville, ID, and Randy (Lori) Drake, Lewisville, ID. Six grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and three great-greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Arlene, his parents, and Brother Harold, and his sister Kathleen. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 27, at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 W Main Street, Rigby, ID 83442, with Bishop Terry Ellsworth officiating. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home, before the funeral services. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery following the services. The Family would like to thank all the staff at Senior Helpers for their services.