A man from southwest Iowa who has served area residents in the Iowa House of Representatives for 22-years, died Sunday, in Atlantic.  Jack E. Drake, a Republican from Griswold, died from natural causes Sunday, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital. The 81-year old Drake was serving his 11th term. He was the longest tenured Republican in the Iowa House. He represented Walnut and eastern Pottawattamie County, along with much of Cass County and the entirety of Adams and Union counties.

Rep. Jack Drake (R), from Griswold.

In a statement released Monday (today) Representative Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, the incoming Speaker of the Iowa House, said “During his time in the Iowa House, Jack was a leader and trusted resource on agricultural issues, which are so important to the state of Iowa. We are all saddened to hear the news, but we will remember Jack as a strong advocate for his constituents, serving them honorably for nearly 23 years.”

Drake was born near Walnut, graduated from Atlantic High School and attended the University of Iowa. He was a farmer, and very active in local and state organizations, including his service as Secretary and board member of Walnut Telephone Company, member of Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Corn Growers Association, and many other such groups. Drake was chair of the Finance Committee and serving on the Audit Committee at the time of his death.

Jack Drake is survived by his wife, Shirley, two sons, two daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 10:30-a.m. Thu., Oct. 15th, at the Griswold United Methodist Church.