Gorson Drake, 83, of Watervliet, passed away peacefully the evening of Sunday, July 14, 2024 in St. Joseph.

A celebration of life gathering is planned for this Friday, July 19, from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Baroda American Legion, 9214 1st Street, Baroda, MI 49101.  Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

He lived a life of service to the community, having retired from the Berrien County Sheriff's Department in the late 1990s. He enjoyed photography, hunting, fishing and being outdoors.

He is survived by his wife Justine Drake, his daughter Janice Drake, his son Curtis (Beth) Drake; and stepchildren Samantha Childress, Mark (Julie) Smith, Scott (Rhonda) Smith and Karen Gonzalez; grandchildren, Christian Lee, Falon Roberts, Joshua (Becca) Admave and Joseph Gonzalez; his sister, Terry (Jerry) Davis and brother in law Rod (Sharon) Krieger; and his niece, Tracy (Wayne) Huckabee.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Melody, in 1997 and his nephew, Steven Davis.