Working with Chicago families during difficult times, you come to appreciate funeral homes that truly care about their community. Over the years, Drake & Son Funeral Home helped many Chicago families, and I’d like to share some helpful information about their facilities and services that might be useful if you’re planning a service.
About Drake & Son
Drake & Son has been part of our Chicago community since 1920. What stands out to me is how they’ve maintained their family-operated approach through the years. When you walk in, you’ll usually find a member of the Drake family there to help – something that seems increasingly rare these days.
The Building and Facilities
If you haven’t visited Drake & Son before, here’s what you’ll find:
The Main Chapel
It’s a beautiful space that offers:
- Comfortable seating for about 200 people
- Lovely original stained glass windows
- Good sound system for music and speeches
- Accessible entrance and seating
- Several areas for flower displays
Family Rooms
They maintain several private areas:
- Quiet rooms for families to gather
- Comfortable seating areas
- Space for children who need breaks
- Private areas for conversations
Practical Amenities
The building includes:
- Easy parking nearby
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Good climate control
- Kitchen facilities for gatherings
- Well-maintained restrooms
How Services Usually Work
Every service is different, but here’s what typically happens:
Before the Service
The staff helps families with:
- Planning the service timing
- Arranging seating for family
- Setting up photo displays
- Coordinating with clergy or celebrants
- Organizing flower deliveries
During the Service
They take care of:
- Welcoming guests
- Helping with seating
- Managing timing smoothly
- Keeping things comfortable
- Looking after family needs
Working Together for Families
Over the years, we’ve developed some helpful practices:
Coordination
What usually works well:
- Morning delivery for early services
- Quiet setup before families arrive
- Careful placement of arrangements
- Simple adjustments as needed
Practical Arrangements
The staff helps with:
- Best spots for flower placement
- Good photo opportunities
- Temperature control for flowers
- Easy access for deliveries
Helpful Things to Know
If you’re planning a service at Drake & Son, here are some useful tips:
Timing
- They’re very flexible with scheduling
- Early morning services are often available
- Evening visitations can be arranged
- They allow plenty of time between services
Space and Setup
- Multiple rooms available if needed
- Good flow for larger gatherings
- Quiet areas for private moments
- Space for reception gatherings
Special Needs
They’re good about accommodating:
- Different religious traditions
- Cultural customs
- Language needs
- Accessibility requirements
Season-Specific Considerations
Different times of year bring different needs:
Winter Services
- Good heating throughout
- Protected entrance for bad weather
- Covered drop-off area
- Well-maintained parking area
Summer Services
- Reliable air conditioning
- Shaded outdoor areas
- Water available for guests
- Comfortable indoor spaces
Local Information
It’s helpful to know:
- Several restaurants nearby
- Close to major roads
- Good parking options
- Easily accessible location
Working with Drake & Son
If you’re planning a service here, the process usually goes like this:
- Initial meeting with the staff
- Tour of the facilities
- Discussion of options
- Planning of details
- Coordination of deliveries
Community Connections
One thing I like that stands out about Drake & Son is their connection to the community:
- They know local clergy
- They work well with different churches
- They understand neighborhood traditions
- They help with local customs
Getting Help When Needed
The staff at Drake & Son is always ready to help:
- They answer questions clearly
- They offer practical suggestions
- They solve problems quietly
- They focus on helping families
When you need to reach them:
- Phone: (773) 561-6874
- Address: 5303 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
- Available: 24 hours
- Always someone to help