Sherman Charles Drake Jr
Sherman Charles Drake Jr , long time Santa Barbara resident and owner of Drake’s Tree care, passed away in the early morning of Jan 1, 2025 after a long illness. He was born April 4, 1935 in Cue Creek Pennsylvania. Growing up with very limited means, 10+ siblings and a father that worked in the coal mines, Sherman made his way west to California in the 1950’s. Sherman was an active member of the community. He did fundraise work for the YMCA of Santa Barbara and the Elks Lodge of Santa Barbara for many years. Sherman was a character for sure, with his amazing sense of humor, love of practical jokes, and ability to have deep empathy for others. He is survived by his wife Sharyn Drake, son Joseph Diaz Drake, and daughters Teresa Drake Mendel and Isabel Drake Ballesteros. He was loved by his grandchildren, Caleb & Corbin Ballesteros, Abigail and Hannah Mendel, and Jasmin and Trisha Diaz-Drake. Memorial Services have not yet been arranged by the family. If you would like to make a tribute donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in Sherman’s name, it would be a wonderful gesture to help fight this awful disease.