.jpg)
AHSAA Mourns Death Of Longtime Official
The Alabama High School Athletic Association is saddened by the death of longtime football official and Alabama State Representative Owen Drake of Leeds.
Drake, who served for many years as a football official in the Birmingham Football Officials Association, lost his battle with cancer Sunday night at the Medical Center East in Birmingham with his wife and family present.
A popular mentor who dedicated his life to encouraging and teaching young football officials, he also served the AHSAA as a District Director for football and continued to serve the AHSAA as an observer.
AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese said, “Mr. Drake has made so many important contributions to our state through his leadership in the State House and through his love of high school athletics. We offer our most sincere condolences to his family and to his many friends. He will be missed.”
Greg Brewer, AHSAA Director of Officials, described Drake as “a true supporter of high school athletics and an inspiration to us all.”
A Republican, Drake was elected last year to a second four-year term in the Alabama House from District 45 in Jefferson and St. Clair counties. He served 32 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired in 1988 as a chief master sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. He also was a former police detective in the city of Fairfield and served 13 years as communications director for the Jefferson County Commission.
Republican House Speaker Mike Hubbard of Auburn called Drake “a tireless worker” and said his return to the House chamber showed Drake’s dedication.
Visitation services for Drake will be held Wednesday, June 29, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Leeds. Funeral services will be Thursday, June 30, at First Baptist Church in Leeds at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Leeds.