John G. Drummer
PORT CLINTON: John G. Drummer, 73, of Port Clinton, OH passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, September 26, 2013 at H. B. Magruder Hospital, Port Clinton.
He was born on July 21, 1940 in Dayton, OH, the son of Civilla Elizabeth (Schmit) and Charles Gordon Drummer. On April 25, 1964 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Port Clinton, he married Kathleen L. Souter and she survives.
John worked at Clinton Auto Parts for 25 years and Smith Automotive for 19 years. As if his work wasn't enough to keep him busy, John had 35 years of active service for the Port Clinton Volunteer Fire Dept. and also served his country for 6 years as a jet engine mechanic for the 180th Tactical Fighter Group of the Air National Guard, based in Toledo, Ohio.
John began his career with the fire department on March 10, 1961, was promoted to Lieutenant in 1972, Captain in 1975, Assistant Chief in 1977 and was the Chief for 17 years from 1979 until his retirement on July 12, 1996. John also served the residents of Portage Twp, as the local fire official. (all while working full time).
He was instrumental in forming mutual aide agreements between Ottawa County fire departments. Under his leadership, Port Clinton was one of the first departments in the county to conduct training sessions and organized the first Arson Investigation Team. John trained personnel in arson detection/fire investigation, identification and recognition of hazardous materials, radiological monitoring and severe weather monitoring. He was the liaison for the county fire departments during state and local disasters, including the Davis Besse Nuclear Power Station training and drills. He took the department from a 3 truck to a 5 truck department, including a ladder truck plus an amphibian lark, 4 boats, trailer for diving for drowning victims to rescue and trained 3 divers for this purpose.
John was a Charter Member of the Port Clinton Emergency Medical Service; Ottawa County Fire & EMS Chiefs Association, where he served two terms as President on Executive Board; Ottawa County Public Safety Radio Users Group chairman from 1987 to 1997; Ottawa County Enhanced 911 Committee; Ottawa County Emergency Operations Center Fire & EMS Liaison; and Ottawa County Arson Investigation Team.
A plain spoken, family man, John will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.
In addition to his devoted wife of 49 years, Kathy; John is survived by his loving daughters, Amy Drummer and Annie Drummer; sisters, Anna Marie (Tom) Schweiterman, Ruth McAvoy, Barbara Nickloy, Doris (Carl) Willert, Judy Drummer, Sue (Dan) Grayson, and Paula (Mark) Potterf; brother: Eugene Drummer and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be 2-4 & 6-8pm, Tuesday, October 1, 2013 in the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Clinton, OH, where a Fireman's Memorial Service will be conducted at 7PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father John Missler 10am, Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Port Clinton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in memory of John be given to the Magruder Hospital Cardiac Rehab Center or the Port Clinton Firefighter's Association.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kathy, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joe and Mary Marquez
October 3, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all.
T and Lori Pierce
October 3, 2013
Amy,
I was sorry to read of your dad's death. May God comfort you in your grief.
Jill Hickey
October 2, 2013
Mr D was an exceptional man that we all respected and looked up to. We will miss him so much. He always had good advice, words of encouragement, and we are better because we knew him. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lisa Bodi
October 2, 2013
What a tremendous loss for your family and the City of Port Clinton. The legacy he leaves behind is only accomplished by a few. GOD BLESS YOU JOHN DRUMMER.
Jim and Sheryl Finken
October 2, 2013
To the Drummer Family... my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband/dad. May God Bless you during this difficult time.
Dan Cuevas
October 1, 2013
Mrs. Drummer, Annie, and Amy, sorry to hear about your loss. I remember as a kid, your Mom and Dad hosting the best softball parties at your house. In my prays and thoughts. Kim Brown
October 1, 2013
Mrs. Drummer, Amy and Annie - Sending you our heartfelt condolences, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Bill, Jeri and Ricky Chini
October 1, 2013
Amy & Annie - Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the happy memories you have gathered through the years. God Bless, Jay & Lisa
October 1, 2013
Mrs. Drummer, Annie and Amy,
My deepest sympathies in the passing of your husband/dad. My prayers are with you all. God bless.
Patti Reynolds
October 1, 2013
Amy,
I'm very sorry to hear about you Dad. Sending love and hugs your way my friend.
Regina Lochotzki
Regina Lochotzki
September 30, 2013
our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time
jean & Rich winke
September 30, 2013
Amy & Annie,
Sorry to hear of your loss.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Brenda Deininger (Wightman)
September 30, 2013
Kathy and family, I am so sorry for your loss~ John was such a great man. You are in our thought and prayers. God bless you all~
Mary Jo Amato Mays
September 30, 2013
To my "adopted" family,
I will miss Dad very much and have you in my thoughts and prayers. There is a Majestic Band in Heaven for this Drummer Boy...God bless you all!
Vicky Gresh
September 30, 2013
Dear Amy and Annie, we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Bill and Mary Gordon
September 30, 2013
Kathy, you have our deepest sympathy.
Wayne and Pauline Hunsinger
September 30, 2013
My prayers go out to you and your family at this time.
Ella Blay
September 30, 2013
Like everyone, I'm sorry to hear of John's passing. When I worked at Gordon Cooper's I used to look and see what tool bargains he had in the back of his van. As a former Catawba firefighter it was an honor working with John on mutual aid runs. I also had the pleasure of being under John's command the night Don Mortus married Linda. Don asked me if I'd be available if a call came in. One did at Brand's Marina and the last one to know I was to substitute was John. He was fine with it and thanked me for helping. No doubt John will be missed by many not just in the fire service but by all his friends and family. Sympathies and Prayers, take care.
Scott Gresser
September 30, 2013
Drummer Family,
I am so sorry to learn of John's passing. This is a big loss for your family and our community. May you find peace in the memory of what a great man he was and how he will always be remembered.
Lis Brand
September 30, 2013
Drummer Family,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers with you at this difficult time.
Todd & Kelly Lilie
September 30, 2013
John, will be missed by many! He is in our prayers
Larry & Mary Hamann
September 30, 2013
Kathy, Amy and Annie,
Our prayer and condolence for your lost. John and I were friends from the 180th Air National Guard. May you continue to be comforted by reflecting on all the wonderful memories that you will cherish of John forever. I know I will remember those good times.
Jimmy and Kathy Simpson
Jimmy Simpson
September 30, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory - Port Clinton216 Washington Street, Port Clinton, OH 43452
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