Vernon Henry Drewa Jr., 82, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012. Funeral: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at First Baptist Church of Keller. Interment: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Greenwood Funeral Home. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Scottish Rite Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Foundation. Vernon was born Jan. 17, 1930, and raised in Fort Worth. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars where he earned two Purple Hearts. He retired from the U.S. Navy after over 30 years of service as a naval intelligence officer. He then worked and retired as the southwest regional manager of the Federal Aviation Administration at D/FW Airport, Dallas. Vernon was a Master Mason for 52 years and a charter member of the Elks Lodge Midcities. He served on the board of Baylor Hospital and Scottish Rite hospitals in Dallas. He was a member of the Tin Can Sailors, Amphibious group, Navy League, First Baptist Church of Keller and numerous other organizations. Vernon was dedicated to his family genealogy and loved fishing and hunting. Most of all, he was a man who loved his family and friends, God and country, who never met a stranger. Survivors: Wife, Gail; daughters, Karen Skrasek and husband, Johnnie, Danna Kuyper and husband, Dick, and Kristi Lucas; brother, Robert Wayne Drewa and wife, Laverne; brother-in-law, Gerry Wren and wife, Barbara; grandchildren, Jason Skrasek, Joey Martinak, Brittney and Brooke Elliott, and Natalie, Sarah, Amanda, Josh and Mark Lucas; great-grandchildren, Macy and Maddy Martinak.

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Published by Star-Telegram on Nov. 18, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Vernon Drewa

21 Entries

February 12, 2013

Vernon was a great source of help and encouragement as I worked for many years to write a history of the Washington family. I greatly regret that he died a few weeks before I received word that my book had been accepted for publication by Savas Beatie. It's called "The Washingtons: A Family History," and Vernon will be among those who receive a special "thank you" in my introduction. He is often cited as a source in my book. A proud veteran and a dedicated genealogist, Vernon truly loved his family and loved his country. I never had a chance to meet him in person in this life, but I look forward to meeting him in the next.
My sincere condolences go out to his family.
God bless,
Justin
(Justin M. Glenn, Ph.D.
Tallahassee FL
[email protected])

JOSE A ORDAZ AND WIFE

JOSE ANTONIO ORDAZ

November 27, 2012

My most sencire condolences to you Mr.Gail and daughters,Vern was always a very good friend to me as well as yourself the very first day I moved into the house next door,I always appreciate the talks I had with vern and the time we spend together that one morning putting the plastic shed together in the back yard and so many other times we spent chatting away either in his house or in mine,I'll never forget you guys,you wore always great for the time I lived in the Great state of TEXAS.at least I got to say good bye to him before I moved back to CA.may god have him in his glory I'll never forget you vern,thanks for the time,your next door neighbor and friend JOSE A. ORDAZ.

Jerry Crum

November 26, 2012

Vernon was a fine man. He meant so much to my father and mother and as I got to know him he meant so much to me and Marta as well. He was there for us when my Mom and Dad passed. He was a rock we could all rely on. He will be sorely missed, but I know he is in God's hands now.

Eric & Keryl Munger

November 22, 2012

He was an amazing man who leaves behind a great legacy. He will be missed.

William Drewa

November 21, 2012

Praying for the family that God will grant you all His perfect peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7) I will always look up to Uncle Vernon and the example he set for all of us. He was a very kind, patriotic, and God-fearing man and will be dearly missed.

linda Rush Frye

November 21, 2012

Vernon you will be missed. It breaks my heart that I will see no more emails from you. What a great man. Your street is the most patriotic place on earth. Your neighbors loved you and rightfully so. I will miss the genealogy.

Dennis Arens

November 20, 2012

I'm honored to have known you Vernon. Our condolences to Gail and extended family.

Victoria (Hahn, Drewa) Vidaurri

November 20, 2012

I cannot thank you enough, Vernon, for sharing the Drewa family history I never knew, for the stories and pictures, and the wonderful visit you and Gail made to visit Mom (Mildred Hahn Drewa) and Dad years ago. You have touched so many.

Scherie Drewa

November 19, 2012

My heart is broken that my uncle has passed through the gates of heaven so soon, but I know that Mimmie, Pops and Chad were waiting for him with open arms.

When I think of my Uncle Vernon, I think of all the love he had to give. Unconditional love, always encouraging, and so careful not to intrude. Always giving his love, his time, or an ear to listen.

He always had funny stories to tell, and sometimes I wondered how he had so many crazy things happen in his life. He had a gift to make people laugh. I will miss him and his stories but will always carry those special memories of him in my heart.

I looked up to him, because men like him are few and far between. He was a respected, kindhearted, hardworking, considerate and a God loving man. He touched and made a difference in so many lives. I was proud of who he was and all he did for others. He was so proud that the neighborhood came together and the patriotic flags lined the streets.

He will be missed by many, but we will see him again one day.

I pray that GOD GIVES YOU STRENGTH AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
Lord, please give my Aunt Gail , and cousins Karen, Danna and Kristi strength that can only come from You…a super-natural peace and calmness.

Love You So Much !

Richard Drewa

November 19, 2012

So glad we could visit in 1992 & again in February 2011- best wishes to all the family, we all will miss Vernon greatly!!

Michael Hegwood

November 19, 2012

Vernon was that Uncle you wish you could visit more often, but never seem to get to. Vernon was always inquisitive and eager to engage in a poignant conversation. Vernon will truly be missed.

Bob Drewa

November 19, 2012

My Uncle Vernon was the the best man of all men. I will miss you dearly and all the wisdom you shared will everyone. No other words can express the sorrow that is felt with your passing. I am sure Chad will look you up very soon if not already, God be with you both and to Aunt Gail and cousins Karen, Dana, and Kristi.

Steve Phillips

November 19, 2012

I'm a neighbor and always enjoyed talking to Vernon when out walking. He encouraged me to get my Dad's military reords for which I am grateful. My Dad was killed in Korea. His flag project for our neighborhood will be long remembered for bringing neighbors together. I pray that God will enfold his wife and family as they grieve for a great American.

November 19, 2012

So glad we could visit, Gail, in February 2011. William first met Vernon as a babe in arms & finally got to see the man he is. Love to all, the Richard Drewa Family

November 18, 2012

Thank you for sharing your stories and giving us all a greater insight to our fellow man and country. You will be missed!
Mindy Layfield

Basil & Hedy Garrett

November 18, 2012

I first met Vernon in the late 60's as he was beginning his career in the Federal Aviation Administration. Vernon was a very interesting man, always had a story to tell. May he rest in peace.

Seirup Family

November 18, 2012

Vernon was a fine man, a great American and a good soul. We only knew him a short time but we grew very fond of him quickly. He will be missed God rest his soul.

Don & Shari Brittingham

November 18, 2012

Gail,
Jim Hatch was kind enough to let us know of Vernon's passing. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Don & Shari Brittingham

Charles Alread

November 18, 2012

Vernon, me & 15 more started first grade in 1936 and end up in 1948 at Poly High School. Vernon was a great man & will be missed by all that knew him. My thought & prayers are with the Family.

Susan Wells

November 18, 2012

Vernon was a special man. I always enjoyed talking with him and listening to his many stories! I know that Dad & Vernon are sitting together catching up!
Gail, all of our love to you and your family.

November 18, 2012

I only knew Vernon a few years but from the first time I met him, I saw Jesus in this man. Welcome home Vernon.

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