Olen Bryan Drake, Jr., known to most simply as Bryan, of Parker, Texas, passed away on January 27, 2026, at the age of 76, after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. Bryan leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, steady faith, and a lifetime of stories that will be told for generations.
Born on September 18, 1949, Bryan was the son of the late Olen Bryan Drake, Sr. and Dorothy Louise Brown Drake and brother to the late Darryl Kevin Drake. He grew up with the kind of values that shaped the rest of his life — work hard, love your people well, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.
Bryan built a career that reflected both his leadership and his gift for connecting with people. He worked as a teacher and coach, mentoring countless students who learned far more than lessons from a book or plays on a field. Later, he brought that same energy and people‑skills into the world of promotions and advertising, where his personality was just as memorable as his work ethic. He was a proud graduate of Texas A&I University, a place that helped shape the educator, coach, and storyteller so many came to know.
More than anything, Bryan was a family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah “Debbie” Kay Sansing Drake, his partner in life for 54 years and his greatest supporter. Together they built a family that was his proudest accomplishment.
He is also survived by his children, Bradley Bryan Drake and his wife Molly Drake, and Brandy Lynn Drake Greene and her husband Brad Greene. His favorite title in life, though, was Papaw. His grandchildren — Tate Adams Greene, Emily “Emmy” Drake Greene, Brody Bryan Drake, Maggie Lynn Drake, and Lyla Mary Greene — brought him endless joy. Whether it was baseball, theater, softball, or dance, Papaw was there in the stands, in the audience, or wherever the action was, cheering them on with a full heart and a proud smile. There was nothing he loved more than watching them grow, cheering them on, and reminding them (often with a grin) that he had a little something to do with how awesome they turned out.
Bryan had a gift for making people feel at ease. He could tell a good story, share wise advice, and slip in a joke at just the right time. He believed in showing up for the people he loved, working hard, and keeping his faith close through life’s ups and downs. His family finds comfort knowing he is now at peace, free from pain, and likely already making a new group of friends and organizing something in his new home. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.
A service to celebrate Bryan’s life will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be livestreamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/bryan-drake.
A private family-only graveside service will be held following the public service.