PFC Tyler Michael Drake, age 24, of New Castle, passed away suddenly on Monday Nov. 7, 2022.

He was born on Dec. 22, 1997, in Meadville, PA, to the late Tina Marie Conjalko, who passed after a courageous battle with cancer.

Tyler studied briefly at Word of Life Bible Institute. He then joined and completed basic training along with Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma to become a soldier in the PA Army National Guard. He was assigned to the Grove City Armory where he enjoyed firing the large artillery guns, driving various vehicles, and spending time with his battle buddies. Tyler was employed by Richardson Tree Company where he loved working outside with his fellow co-workers.

Tyler is loved and survived by his parents, David and Heidi Drake; two brothers, Adam Zinz and Anthony Drake; grandparents, Bill and Erika Caulk; a large extended family and a group of friends too long to list individually. A special thanks to the Markijohn family for their special love for Tyler.

In addition to his birth mother Tina, Tyler was preceded in death by his loving maternal great-grandparents, Steve and Charlotte Markijohn, and paternal grandparents, Clarence and Matilda Drake.

Friends and family will be received on Sat. Nov. 12th from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Evangel Community Church, 1530 Harlansburg Road, New Castle, PA 16101.

A memorial service will be held following the visitation at 4:00 pm with Pastor Harry Edenhofer officiating. There will be a special prayer by Pastor Bob Strobel.

Memorial contributions may be offered to The New Castle Area Honor Guard, C/O Perry S. Gaston American Legion Post 343, 134 North Jefferson Street, New Castle, PA 16101.

The family would like to urge everyone to please remember how important it is to be patient and slow down while driving through construction/work zones. To make a difference, please go to www.paturnpike.com to take the pledge to Go Orange PA, to help ensure that both contracted, and construction workers lives matter.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle where online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.