William B. Drake

William Boone “Bill” Drake, 86, and lifelong resident of Greenwood, IN passed away Sunday June 21, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 29, 1940 in Indianapolis, Indiana to William Roswell Drake and Frances (Boone) Drake. Bill married Barbara Sue (Kinder) Drake on June 3, 1960 at the Whiteland United Methodist Church.

He and Barbara lived, worked and raised their 4 children in Johnson County at his beloved farm in Greenwood.

He was a 1958 graduate of Whiteland High School.

Bill retired after 30 years of service at Eli Lilly and Company as an Antibiotic Pilot Plant supervisor.

He had served on the Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation School Board, board member of the Johnson County Historical Society and a charter member and former treasurer of the Johnson County Antique Machinery Association.

Bill enjoyed golfing, woodworking, trapshooting, and especially spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Barbara Sue (Kinder) Drake of Greenwood, IN, his children Brian (Diane) Drake, Julie (Jeff) Green, and Jeff Drake (Terri) all of Greenwood, IN, fourteen grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren and his brother John Drake (Genia) of Loogootee, IN, many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son Jason Boone Drake.

Jim Robison will be conduct a service on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 2PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/williamdrake.

Visitation will take place on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 11 AM until service time at the mortuary.

A private family graveside service will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Johnson County Historical Society, 135 North Main Street Franklin, IN 46131 or at www.johnsoncountymuseum.org or the Johnson County Antique Machinery Association 2364 South 625 West, Shelbyville, IN 46176.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.

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