Search by Name

Search by Name

Loyal James Drey

1939 - 2025

Loyal James Drey obituary, 1939-2025, Scottsdale, AZ

BORN

1939

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Messinger Mortuaries-Pinnacle Peak Mortuary

8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Road

Scottsdale, Arizona

Loyal Drey Obituary

Loyal James Drey

March 1, 1939 - May 24, 2025

Loyal James Drey, a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, peacefully passed away on May 24, 2025, at the age of 86 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Eunice Drey; his father-in-law, Joseph Noonan; and his siblings, including sisters and brothers-in-law: Lila Dahl (Ted), Lee Skelton (Buzz), Wilma Drey, and Roger Paasch; as well as brothers and sisters-in-law: Wayne and Shirley Drey, Duane Drey, Melvin and Connie Drey, Don and Bonnell Drey, and Verlyn.

Loyal is survived by his wife, Marlene Drey, and their children: Kelly Cushman (Dan), Michele Johnson (Mark), Lori Shannon (Mike), and Lisa Diederich (Bill). He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, with another on the way. Additional survivors include his mother-in-law, Mary Noonan; sister, Velva Schmieding (Cy); brother, Larry Drey (Barb); sisters-in-law, Linda Noonan and Mary Jo Beda (Tom); and brother-in-law, Pat Noonan (Pam). He is also remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Loyal built a respected career in the grocery business, eventually opening Loyal's Foodland in Blair, Nebraska in 1979. For over two decades, he served his community with integrity and heart. In retirement, he and Marlene split their time between Hanson's Lake in Nebraska and Sun City West, Arizona, enjoying golf, Husker football, church life, and family traditions especially the beloved Fourth of July gatherings at the lake.

Loyal's legacy is one of love, kindness, and deep devotion to family. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 14, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church at 10815 N 84th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his honor to the Alzheimer's Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Published by Omaha World-Herald on Jun. 4, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Loyal Drey

Sponsored by Messinger Mortuaries-Pinnacle Peak Mortuary Pinnacle Peak Mortuary.

Not sure what to say?





Chris Gaul

June 17, 2025

Loyal was my boss at Hinky Dinky, where I worked with Kelly. He was a good manager. Those were fine days. He made it a point to hire Catholic high school students.

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Peggy and Gregg Drelicharz

Sent Flowers

Joe & Patti Gehringer

June 7, 2025

Marlene and family, we will never forget all the memories that we made together over the years! Loyal was such a loving, caring fun person to be around! We enjoyed partying together for Husker games, at the lake home, golfing together, trips to AZ for visits and many card games together! Loyal will never be forgotten and always thought of with a smile of remembrance. Rest in peace dear friend!!

Tomi

June 7, 2025

I can still feel his love but his hugs will be missed deeply!

Jean (Skelton) Brazda

June 6, 2025

Prayers to all the family, especially Aunt Marlene. Best memory of Uncle Loyal was all the laughing and joking around when family got together.

Dave Noonan

June 6, 2025

My condolences to the Drey Family. Any visit that I ever had with Loyal would include a smile and a genuine interest into how you and the family were doing. I wish the family comfort with the memories that you have and may Loyal Rest In Peace.

Diane Swoboda-Dlouhy

June 5, 2025

So sorry for your loss! Loyal was a great neighbor along with Mary Noonan and Pat. My name was Swoboda and lived 2 doors from them. Rest in Peace Loyal
Diane Swoboda-Dlouhy

Lisa

June 5, 2025

DAD, I THINK ABOUT YOU ALWAYS,
I TALK ABOUT YOU OFTEN,
YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN FORGOTTEN,
AND NEVER WILL.
I HOLD YOU CLOSE IN MY HEART
AND THERE YOU WILL REMAIN,
TO WALK AND GUIDE ME THROUGH MY LIFE,
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. RIP
Love & Miss You Dad
Always & Forever,
Lisa

Carol Malone

June 5, 2025

Marlene & Family, I am sorry for your loss. I have great memories, especially of the grocery stores, softball and Husker parties!

Lu Mannino

June 4, 2025

Marlene and family
My deepest sympathy and Prayers. Loyal was a wonderful father and husband. A Gentleman.
May God send Blessings to your family. Lu Mannino.

Ron Drey

June 3, 2025

We wish we could be there to comfort you in person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
We have fond memories of Uncle Loyal, his humor, his work ethic and his love of family!
With all our love, Ron & Crystal Drey

Brian & Cheryl (Drey) Jamieson

June 3, 2025

Uncle Loyal always greeted us with a smile, and was kind. His beautiful smile will light up the heavens. Rest Easy Loyal.

Love, Brian and Cheryl Jamieson

Donna & Tony Beam

June 3, 2025

Uncle Loyal you will be missed.
Thank you for all our childhood memories. You were one of the good guys.

Love, Donna and Tony Beam

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Loyal Drey's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Loyal Drey

Jun

14

Service

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. Patricks Catholic Church

10815 N. 84th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Jun

14

Service

12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Paradise Memorial Gardens

9300 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Funeral services provided by:

Messinger Mortuaries-Pinnacle Peak Mortuary

8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

How to support Loyal's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Loyal Drey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more