DROSTE, JAMES C.

WILLIAMSBURG – Christian Drake passed away July 9, 2006, in Williamsburg. He was born Dec. 11, 1923, in Elmont, Va. At the age of 6, his family moved to southern California where he lived until 1992 when he returned to Virginia, residing in Kingsmill.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Peggy, and his four children; Ron of Seattle, Wash., Christian Drake II of Boise, Idaho, Dannye Drake Ivey of Vienna Va., and Morgan Drake of Chula Vista, Calif.; six grandchildren; two sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

His special loves were his two grandsons, Kevin (14) and Brad (11) Ivey of Vienna.

Christian served with the Marine Raiders in World War II. Always a Marine, he was proud of his service behind Japanese lines on Guadalcanal where he was wounded and returned to the United States, spending a year in various hospitals.

After his return, he was discovered and signed a contract at RKO Studios. He spent many years in the movie and television industry, being in over 110 movies and television shows. In 1954, he co-starred in a television series, “Sheena: Queen of the Jungle,” where he played Bob the White Hunter, spending almost a year in Mexico filming. He also starred in “Forever My Love,” the first film made in Japan with an American, living in Japan for a year.

In 1958, he entered the real estate profession, in time owning 11 offices on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, retiring in 1990. He was proudest of his family and his Marine Raiders. “Semper Fi.”

Visitation will be at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg on Thursday, July 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

A private burial service will take place at a family burial site in Ashland, Va.

Nelsen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heritage Humane Society for Animals, 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.