WATERTOWN, NY — Kenneth G. Drew, 89, Route 11, Watertown, NY, whose spirit was released to Heaven, on Friday, March 8, in his home, while peacefully in the arms of his wife, Sheila.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown
Ken was born Jan. 28, 1930, in Tupper Lake, NY, the son of Gilbert and Dorothy Drew. He joined the Army National Guard in 1946 and then honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1951.
He married Sheila Sherman on Nov. 7, 1970, at Asbury Methodist Church, Watertown, and was a loving husband for over 48 joyful years and they lived their lives to the fullest!
Besides Ken’s wife, Sheila, are three sisters: Delores Ray, Watertown, NY; Gloria Devito, Dallas, TX; and Keitha Abbott, Syracuse, NY; and six children: Jacqueline Durand, Kenneth Jr. and wife Elizabeth Drew, Kim Marie Villman, Kevin and wife Lana Drew, Kristina Holmes, and Kirk Drew; 22 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews, including Reanna Zeajesky and Jonathan Campbell, who were and are currently being raised part-time by both Ken Sr and Sheila, and Melissa Vann and sisters who Ken and Sheila helped raise; and a best friend that was raised by Ken’s mother, Ray Lenway and related to Barrymore Drew, actress.
Ken Sr, with his wife, Sheila, served his community as a General Contractor & proud owner of Drewco Builders and Home Improvements Co for over 50 years; franchised four restaurants and a bakery; Â worked at Cord & LaSalle Ranch as a Cowboy and Iron Ore Driller in Lovelock, NV; Profession Dealer and worked with Bob Hope & Frank Sanatra at Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, NV; worked with Howard Raymond Construction to build Crystal Caves in Redwood Forest, CA; was Top Ten Salesman in the US with Fuller Brush Top; Activity Chairmen for the Lions Club and Member of the Elks Club, both in Watertown, NY (1976); President of the National Homebuilders Association for three and a half years in Sacketts Harbor, NY; and a member with Log Cabin Antique Association for Thirty-five years of associated stores.
Ken Sr loved to volunteer for Political Campaigning with wife, Sheila; was a Collector of Classical Cars; Introduced his sons to, and taught as a black belt, various forms of Martial Arts; enjoyed painting, singing, dancing (taught music and dance), playing piano, boating, landscaping, playing cards, working, building, gardening, professional marksmanship, church, concerts, and spent quite a bit of time helping others in need.
A son Keith Drew and a brother Jerry Drew regretfully passed away prior to Ken Sr.
The funeral service will be held 5 p.m. Friday, March 15, at The Life Church of the Nazarene, 535 Thompson Blvd. and the calling hour will be 4 p.m.at the church prior to the service. Burial will not be performed until the spring and will be held at Oswegatchie Cemetery (info will be given at another time).
Online condolences may be made at www.clevelandfhinc.com
To send donations to assist surviving wife, Sheila, to 17201 US Route 11, Watertown, NY 13601 or you may donate, in person, on the day of the funeral. Call Sheila for details: 315-783-5612.
