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Robert Frank Drahos

May 4, 2019
Portage, MI

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85, devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on the morning of May 4, 2019 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Portage Michigan. Robert (Bob) was born on July 31, 1933 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. Bob grew up on the east side of Kalamazoo attending Roosevelt Junior High and graduating from Kalamazoo Central in 1952. While in school he excelled as an athlete, pitching a no-hitter as a highlight. After graduation he went to work at Allen Electric, Buck Tool Company and Maro Incorporated. He was married to Nancy Kaiser in 1955, and together they raised four children In order to support his family and allow Nancy to stay home to raise the children, he also became a co-owner of Valley Press Printing in Portage. In addition to his typical 60-hour work week Bob became a member of the Lakeland Reformed Church and also served as a volunteer fireman for the Greenfield Shores Fire Department. In 1983 Bob agreed to relocate to North Carolina as part of a Maro Precision expansion. Bob finished his work career and retired from Walter Kidde Aerospace in 1997. While in North Carolina Bob joined and served in the Ruritan Club and was active in the Mount Zion Methodist Church. Upon retirement Bob and Nancy moved back to Vicksburg, Michigan to be closer to family. In retirement Bob became increasingly active at Lakeland Reformed church and excelled in serving as the valet. In July 2016 Bob and Nancy moved into Brookdale Assisted Living where he was better able to meet her needs. Throughout his life Bob enjoyed fishing, traveling with his family, gardening, and tending to his meticulous lawn. His hard-work ethic was only eclipsed by his devotion to his wife, family, and community. His high educational, moral, and service expectations were lovingly and persistently reinforced with his four children. The family enjoyed celebrating his ancestral Bohemian heritage every Christmas Eve, and looked forward to every time he got out his road atlas and planned a family trip or vacation. Bob was proceeded in death by his parents Joseph and Sarah, and his beloved sister Jeannette. He is survived by his wife, Nancy of Portage, MI; sons Michael (Patricia) Drahos of Sherburne, NY, Joel (Karen) Drahos of Webster, WI; daughters Chris (Craig) Arms of South Haven, MI, Karen (Rickey) Ray of Vicksburg, MI; six grandchildren, Joshua (Raquel) Willison, Dottie (Rob) Bittner, Joshua Drahos, Emily Drahos, Corey (Ashley) Ray, and Andrea (Dale Warner) Ray; four great-grandchildren, Teagan, Brooklynn, Tyler, and Alex. Bob will be sorely missed by his family and myriad friends, neighbors, and community members, but his legacy of service to others and humor will live on with each and every life he touched. A service of remembrance will be held at the Lakeland Reformed Church, 10442 Sprinkle Road, Vicksburg, MI 49097 at 1:00 pm on June 1, 2019 preceded by family visitation from: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, Bob has requested that any donations in his name, be made out to the Lakeland Reformed Church. The family was assisted by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com