Obituary: Drewel, Don
Don grew up in Bland, MO., graduating from Owensville High School before enlisting into the Navy on June 3, 1946, serving as a Radio Man during World War II.
When he left the service at the end of the war, he attended the University of Missouri School Of Mines in Raleigh, Missouri.
After graduating from the Missouri School of Mines with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering, he started his career at Blaw-Knox Foundry in East Chicago, IL.
While working at Blaw-Knox, he met his future bride, Barbara Dyslin, on a blind date.
They were married on November 26, 1953, at St. Victor’s in Calumet City, IL.
They lived in several locations around the Midwest (including Hammond, IN., Waukesha, WI., Beloit, WI., Pittsburgh, PA., and Freeport, MI.)
while raising their six children.
Don also worked at CE Cast, Thiem Corporation, and Borden Chemical during his metallurgical career.
Don and Barb moved to Spokane in 2005 to retire.
Don had many interests, including his one acre garden - offering free vegetables to anyone who came by.
He was a Scout Master, helping two of his sons achieve their Eagle Scout and he welcomed boys with Special Needs into the troop so they could experience scouting.
He also loved playing golf with friends and family and watching it on TV.
He had a true love of music, having an extensive record collection that he enjoyed listening to while reading from his large collection of books.
Don also volunteered with the American Red Cross, the VFW and the Republican Party.
Don was preceded in death by his son Brian Drewel; his brother George Drewel; and his sister Pat Duquenoy.
Don is survived by wife, Barbara Drewel; sons, Donald and Thomas Drewel; daughters, Jane and Susan Drewel; daughter-in-laws, Barbara Drewel, Theresa Drewel, and Laura Drewel; grandchildren, Jeremiah Drewel, Talon Drewel, Christopher Drewel, Jillian Schweitzer, Mathew Schweitzer, Alexander Schweitzer, Nicholas Schweitzer, Justine Drewel, and Keegan Drewel; brother, Jim Drewel and his sister Martha Snodgrass Don went to his Lord and Savior on December 20, 2013.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, December 27, 2013, at 2:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Parkinson’s Resource Center, 910 West 5th Avenue, Suite 256, Spokane, WA 99204.