Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Drake E. Omstead, 82, of Warsaw, died Jan. 18, 2013, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. He was born Oct. 25, 1931, in Hackensack, N.J., to Trevalyn and Katherine Omstead. On May 29, 1953, in Andrews, he boarded the marriage train with childhood sweetheart, Janis Tullis, and conducted 60 years of a beautiful marriage. As a young man he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and roamed Phimont Scout camp in New Mexico. He attended Andrews High School, class of 1949. He received his bachelor’s degree in music from Ball State, graduating in 1953. He went on to receive his master’s degree from Western Michigan University. He served his country honorably for a term of service in the Air Force, attaining the rank of captain. A lover of music and the eduction of young people, he spent more than 20 years as a band director in northern Indiana and southern Michigan schools. Later he embarked on several entrepreneurial ventures, most recently an owner of Team CKD Transport LLC. He enjoyed a lifetime fascination and passionate interest with model railroading. In fact, his first words as an infant were “Choo-choo!” He is known throughout the nation as an aficionado of operating sessions and is a published author of countless railroad articles in hobby publications. Surviving are three children: Claudia Archer, Warsaw; Robert, Alaska; Carl, California; John Omstead, Mokena, Ill.; and a grandson, Trevor Omstead, Naperville, Ill. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harvey Omstead, and a son, David Homestead. Services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Celebrations United Methodist Church, Winona Lake, with Pastors Holly White and Cindy Gackenheimer officiating. A private burial service will be held. Calling is from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the church. ***** Memorials may be made to Our Father’s House, 401 Argonne Road, Warsaw, IN 46580. Condolences may be sent via mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
