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Donald Drayer Obituary

DRAYER, DONALD H., 92, of Louisville, passed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2012 at his home.

He was the Assistant Plant Manager for International Harvester and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1943 with a degree in Geology. Donald served his country proudly in the United States Army under General Patton as Commander of the Third Infantry Army Headquarters during World War II. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Croix de Guerre avec Etoile de Bronze medal along with several Ribbons. Donald was an Honorary member of the Marine Corpe.

Memberships include, Silvis (Illinois) Masonic Lodge, co-founder of Amvets Group (East Moline, IL), School Board (East Moline, IL), Christ Church United Methodist, where he was a member of the Pathfinders Sunday School Class, and Downtown Kiwanis Club. He was also a Kentucky Colonel. Donald was an avid hunter, boater, fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Bernice Webb and Eunice Drayer.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 69 years, Janet Chapman Drayer; daughters, Nancy Drayer of Sterling, IL, Diane Justice (Bryan) of Friendsville, TN; son, Steve Drayer of Houston, TX; granddaughters, Laura Cruse Randa (Mark) of Oconomowoc, WI, and Ashley Marie Cruse of Long Beach, CA; and great-grandson, Ethan Donald Randa.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday at noon at Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro Road. Burial with Military Honors will be at Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at church. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Arch L. Heady and Son at Westport Village.

In lieu of customary expressions of sympathy, the family has requested memorials to Hosparus, Helping Hands Companion Care, or Christ Church United Methodist Music Department.

Please visit: www.archlheadywestport.com to leave a condolence for the family.



Published by Courier-Journal from Dec. 28 to Dec. 30, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Mrs. Drayer,

So sorry to read of Mr. Drayer's passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Fondly,
Ivy Mann

January 1, 2013

For Don

Danielle Springmeyer

December 31, 2012

I had the pleasure of being able to care for the Drayers for a year and a half. We became like family, and I'm glad that I got to have them as a part of my life. Don was a funny guy, and Jan is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. She was always calm and positive about everything. My time with Don will always be special to me and Jan and I will remain close. My heart goes out to the family and friends. Thanks for the memories Dandy Don:)

Danielle Springmeyer (helping hands)

December 31, 2012

I am honored to have spent nearly two years caring for Mr. Drayer. I remember the many times we laughed, and discussed things from politics to life in gereral. He was a man of great depth of knowledge and insight even to the end when he could no longer talk but we knew he could still comprehended. Mrs. D as we called her, was also his rock, always there when he needed her. To Mrs.Drayer and the rest of the family I extend my deepest sympathy. Indra Murray, Caregiver.

indra Murray

December 30, 2012

Mrs. Drayer,
Mel and I are so sorry to hear of Don's passing away, but he is in heaven and in God's hands. You have our deepest sympathy. Love you.
Mel and Sandy Hobbs

December 29, 2012

DON WAS A VERY GOOD FRIEND AND CO-WORKER, TOGETHER IN ROCK ISLAND AND LOUISVILLE. I WILL MISS HIM. BILL SALZMANN

WILLIAM SALZMANN

December 28, 2012

Mr. Drayer was one of my favorite people. He had such determination and discipline till the end. He was making jokes with me just a couple of weeks ago. Mr. Drayer had such a tender spot for his wife, Jan. At 91 he was giving me financial advice! I will miss him greatly. He was a hero in all walks of life. Leigh Anne, Caregiver

December 28, 2012

Dear Janet, I was sorry to learn of Don's passing on QCities on line this morning. When I make the icebox rolls (I received the recipe from you years ago) I think of Janet Ford, Cora Fisk, your mother and you. I've had many complements on the rolls and have served them many times at P.E.O. here in San Luis Obispo, CA. I'll keep you in my prayers. With sisterly love, Jean Arndt - [email protected]

December 28, 2012

I was sorry to read of Mr. Drayer's death. It is difficult to lose someone who has been such an important part of your life. May treasured memories keep him close to your hearts. I remember special times growing up in the same neighborhood in East Moline - Girl Scout meetings at your house, programs at John Deere School, family picnics, sledding and riding bikes with Nancy. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time, and I send my sincere sympathy ~ Janet Keefer Griffin

December 28, 2012

Don was a wonderful man who ennobled his country and those around him and will be missed. His memory will be an inspiration to those privileged to know him.

Tom & Leah Bennett

December 28, 2012

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