If heaven needed someone to inspect the live oaks and the Gulf of America, locate the elusive roseate spoonbill or find the nearest wildflower field— Robbie was the right man for the job.

Born on February 18, 1956, in Sealy Hospital, Santa Anna, Texas. Left this planet for his heavenly home on Texas Independence Day, March 2, 2026, on one of his favorite holidays, like a true Texan should—rooted deep, standing tall, and always leaning to the light.

He married the love of his life, Vicki Smith Drake, on April 15, 1978, in Santa Anna, Texas. They built a life together with camping trips, gardening, dancing, road trips, and evenings spent under big Texas skies.

Robbie was a self-proclaimed L.O.G.— a live oak geek. He traveled Texas in search of the oldest, largest, and most historic live oaks in the state. He loved geography, history, and old maps.

He could lose track of time birdwatching and stargazing under the big oaks and cypress trees. The youngest son in a large and loving family, Robbie, was among the first in his family to earn a college degree from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.

He began his career teaching and serving as a houseparent at Waxahachie Presbyterian Children’s Home and Waxahachie I.S.D. before moving to Brazoria County, where he devoted most of his life to public service, ending his career as Director of Environmental Health for the county. It suited him perfectly— he worked quietly and faithfully to protect the land and people he loved.

But Robbie was never defined by title.

He loved camping in October, his favorite month. Spring was dedicated to road and camping trips, looking for the best wildflowers and swimming places.

He also loved dancing to all kinds of music, including 40 polka bands in four days for his 50th birthday.

At a friend’s wedding reception, her young friend asked who was that? The bride said those are my parents’ friends, and she said he is effortlessly cool.

At the beach, he was the sand architect on demand— the kids would request all kinds of creations— he was always thrilled to make for them.

He played with babies, wrestled with toddlers, teased teenagers, and laughed with adults that needed reminding that fun wasn’t age restricted. Kids gravitated to him, dogs trusted him instantly, so did people.

And when he walked into a room with nieces and nephews, it simply felt brighter and lighter. I think we all felt his kind light shining his love to give.

His philosophy was simple: it’s all in how you look at it. He faced life with perspective, humor, and a steady joy. He carried joy like it was part of his wardrobe. Laissez les bons temps roller— let the good times roll wasn’t just a phrase. It was a policy. Most friends and family say Robbie was so much fun.

He was preceded in death by sisters Patsy Drake and Maureen Watson and brother Milton Drake. He leaves behind his beloved wife Vicki; sisters Delma Blair of Santa Anna and Sherry Burleson of Clyde; brother David of Brownwood, and a wide, loud, loving collection of nieces and nephews, including one special niece, Denise, who was more like a sister, sharing decades of laughter and stories. He also leaves behind friends across the USA who will forever associate him with the beauty of nature, good music, and a little jig in his dance step.

If you want to honor Robbie, don’t sit still.

Go outside.

Find a live oak and look up.

Take the back roads.

Plant something.

Play bocce or horseshoes.

Fly the flag.

Dance like the band just started playing your song—then dance a little longer.

Look around at God’s beauty everywhere.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with he Drake family by signing the guestbook on Robbie’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Drake family.