Oldest U.S. Pearl Harbor survivor, ‘Spirit of Lexington’ award winner dies at 106

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — A native of Winchester and the oldest known U.S. survivor of the Battle of Pearl Harbor died on Monday, April 7, at the age of 106.

According to his obituary, Vaughn P. Drake Jr. was born on Nov. 6, 1918, in Winchester. He studied at the University of Kentucky College of Engineering before serving in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, where he saw combat at the battles of Pearl Harbor and Saipan in the Pacific Theater. He was honored as the oldest Pearl Harbor survivor in the United States.

Outside of his military service, Drake served his community for over 50 years in the engineering trade. In the 1940s and 1950s, his work was critical in designing and placing underground telephone conduits in Lexington, Morehead, and Ashland. He retired in 1981.

His obituary said that Drake was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and also received the Mayor’s Spirit of Lexington Award.

Drake was reportedly a life member of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association and a life member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. He is survived by a son, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements for Drake will take place at Milward Funeral Directors on April 17. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m., with a graveside service at 3 p.m. at the Winchester Cemetery.

For more information about Drake, visit the Milward Funeral Directors website.