Richard Drach

Richard Anthony Drach, 72, passed away at his home in Mobile Alabama on August 17th 2021. Born on December 12th 1948 in Ferdinand Indiana to parents Andy and Mary Drach, he was one of six children. After graduating from St. Ferdinand High School, Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving two years before receiving an honorable discharge. After receiving certification in Radiology through Mobile Infirmary Hospital, he worked as a CT Technician at Mobile Infirmary for 30 years. He retired from Premier Medical Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat after ten plus years as the CT Technician at the Dauphin West location.
He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Melodie Drach (nee McDonald); son Adam Drach (Lea Drach); daughter Andrea Drach; grandchildren Noah Kirkland, Jonah Drach, and Sofiah Drach; brother Dave Drach and sister Cathy Gonzales (nee Drach). He is preceded in death by parents Andy Drach and Mary Drach (nee Leuken); brothers Fred "Fritz" Drach and Kenneth Drach, and sister Judy Watson(nee Drach).
To his family and friends Richard was larger than life, and will be missed all the more because of this. As an avid fisherman he enjoyed numerous trips over the years with family and friends. If he had a successful catch he was happy, but even if nothing was caught he still loved being on the water with good company. Richard was a home brew enthusiast known for making outstanding "real beer, not near beer", and was never short of voluntary quality control taste testers. He loved spending time with his wife and children, whether it was being an active parent in his son's Boy Scout troop, cheering on LSU with his daughter, or bowling strikes with his wife in their senior bowling league. He found one of his favorite roles as Grandpa Rick; he loved his grandchildren and bragged of their talents to anyone who would listen. As a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Richard enjoyed parading as our very own German leprechaun; when asked if he was Irish, he would grin big and say "No, but my wife is." Once retired, Richard formed a fast and lasting friendship with Bill Toler; more than a few days a week he could be found at Bill's Bar and Grill (really Bill's garage) solving all the world's problems over a few beers with Bill's dogs listening intently.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 am at Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church with Father Dan Good officiating. Interment at Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort will follow at a later date. Mobile Memorial Gardens will be handling all arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.