Drake Thomas Whittle

As parents of young boys, Drake and I watched a lot of superhero movies together. Mostly Avengers. Our household loves superheroes so much, our dog’s name is Hulk. (And yes, he’s Incredible.) It’s safe to say that I’ve done my share of research and I know first hand how a superhero is made.

Every great superhero has an origin story, and Drake Thomas Whittle was no different.

He was born on July 16, 1991 in Blue Springs, MO to Kelly Fisher and Brant Whittle.

Mom Kelly notes that glimpses of Drake’s superpowers were evident as a young child. Even then, Drake had a calm and gentle temperament.

As the years passed, Drake naturally welcomed the first of many superfans: Kelsey, Kendra, and Jackson. I say ‘superfans’ because “big brother” is often interchangeable with “superhero”.

Drake was a student in the Independence School District where he was able to grow and strengthen his super talents. In 2010, he graduated from Truman High School, Home of the Patriots.

Growing up, Drake loved drawing, music, SpongeBob SquarePants, Royals baseball, Chiefs football, playing various sports, and gaming–specifically–playing Call of Duty.

Now, there comes a pivotal moment in every superhero’s story where life is forever changed and they must make decisions for the good of mankind. For Drake, this moment took place on February 8, 2013–when he asked the lovely Louisa La’ulu to be his girlfriend. It was Drake’s relationship with Louisa that allowed his superpowers to really shine.

Drake summarized it best in his wedding vows on September 19, 2020: “We started dating, years go by and I gained a family, a woman that truly loves me, and … the most beautiful, sweet, kind, coolest baby boys I could ever ask for who I adore with all of my heart.”

The best way to truly know someone is to pay attention to the way they live their life. In an effort to appreciate all that Drake was, I wish to offer a glimpse into our life by sharing several memories of my husband. To help my boys better understand, I’ll use the Avengers.

HAWKEYE is known for never missing his target. Drake’s target, his single mission in life, was to love me and put our family first. He supported anything that the boys and I were passionate about, including my photography and K-Drama addiction. I am reminded of him in the way my sons always check to make sure that I’m okay, and that my needs are met--something they watched their dad do every single day.

CAPTAIN AMERICA’s infamous one-liner is always delivered when he’s mid-battle, usually after a tough blow. With confidence, he says, “I can do this all day.” If anyone could put up with something all day, it was Drake–with his superhuman patience. He let our boys get away with everything and it was rare for him to get upset.

One evening, I could hear Drake shouting from the bathroom. “REALLY, SON?! REALLY?” Over and over again. When he came out, I asked what was wrong. He said, “I was trying to bathe Knox in the tub and Kylo walked up and threw my gaming controller in the water!” This was one of the only times my husband raised his voice.

One of my favorite things about Drake’s patience is that he was always willing to get dressed up to be my arm candy. Each time, without complaint, he let me take ALL the pictures until I got just the right shot.

THOR, the God of Thunder and Lightning, carries a weaponized hammer known as Mjolnir (MEE-yol-neer). Only one who’s worthy and pure of heart can lift this hammer. Pure of heart and worthy are two things that describe Drake’s character to a tee.

So many people have come up to me and said that my husband gave the best hugs–they were always so genuine and loving. Only 6 months after our wedding, Drake was diagnosed with glioblastoma in the frontal lobe of his brain. Despite this, Drake’s hugs got even better. He’d hold on a little longer and add a gentle squeeze at the end for good measure.

As soon as he was healthy enough, Drake chose to be baptized on December 11, 2021. He worked hard to remain worthy and strong enough to baptize Kendrick last February. Last month, Drake was ordained to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.

A BLACK WIDOW spider is known for being deadly–similar to the strong female superhero who shares its name. In this example, I’m referring to myself and the fact that many people believed Drake and I to be opposites. In our case, opposites did attract and our differences worked well for us.

One evening, Drake asked why I was being short with him. This was normal for us. I told him, “I don’t feel good.” With a serious face, he asked what was wrong and if he could help. I told him no and explained, “I’ve got chills.” Without missing a beat, Drake asked, “Are they multiplyin’?”

Drake loved the Chiefs, and you all know I love the Raiders. He loved me enough to allow our boys to be Raiders fans and he didn’t blink when I told him I wanted to raise our sons in my faith, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And Drake whole-heartedly loved and embraced my Samoan heritage and customs.

This brings us to SPIDER-MAN, who was Drake’s favorite superhero. Without question Spider-Man’s greatest attribute is his selfless optimism. In 2019, Drake called me while we were both at work.

“Babe,” he said. “I need a ride home.”

“What happened to the car?” I asked, worried.

“Nothing, the car is still in the parking lot at work,” he explained.

“If the car is at work, where are you?!”

“Babe, don’t get mad, okay?”

Drake’s work truck had been run off the road and rolled several times into a steep ravine. The truck was completely smashed and Drake and his partner were rushed to the hospital. While inspecting for wounds, the hospital staff was forced to shave Drake’s beard due to the amount of glass shards buried within.

Drake knew that I loved his beard and he was worried that I would be mad that it was gone. Looking back, I know he was trying to keep me from worrying. He was trying to protect me. Just like a superhero would.

When I think of IRON MAN I am reminded of another precious metal: my wedding ring. A symbol of hope and devotion that will forever link me to Drake. We chose rose gold because it was our favorite. Recently, I learned that rose gold symbolizes lasting love. Eternal love. How fitting.

Our next goal as a couple and for our family, was to make our love eternal by getting sealed together in the temple. I know that if I live worthily, I will see Drake again and we will finish what we started and reach our goal together.

Like THE INCREDIBLE HULK, Drake had the strongest will and he fought so hard to beat cancer.

During his final weeks, he was on a ventilator and was put under heavy sedation. Even though he couldn’t speak, he still found ways to let me know he loved me… by nodding his head, giving a thumbs up, and even shedding tears when the frustration became too much. Each time I asked him if he still wanted to fight, he would squeeze my hand so hard. And when his body finally couldn’t take anymore, he waited until the one night that I couldn’t stay with him… and then he left.

On April 27, 2023, Drake Thomas Whittle was called home to be with our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.

The M.C.U. shared the following counsel: “What is grief, if not love persevering?”

In a talk given at the April 1992 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson, then an apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said:

“Irrespective of age, we mourn for those loved and lost. Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. It is a natural response in complete accord with divine commandment: ‘Thou shalt live today in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die.’ (Doctrine and Covenants 42:45.)

“Moreover, we can’t fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life.”

DRAKE THOMAS WHITTLE WAS MY SUPERHERO. So how do you honor a fallen superhero? By remembering their legacy.

Brothers & Sisters–Family & Friends–I humbly request that whenever you see my sons, whether that’s tomorrow or ten years from now, please think of the ways Drake impacted your life and share that with them. Let them know what an amazing person their dad was and how he made each of us better, just by knowing him.

Drake: Honey, you are and will always be my shining star. No matter where life takes me, I’m gonna love you forever and ever.

I say these things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, forever and ever, amen.