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Edward Drea Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - Edward F. "Babe" Drea, 87, of Springfield, IL died at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 3, 2010, at St. Joseph's Home.
Babe was born December 28, 1922, in Taylorville to Edward and Hettie Hill Drea. He married his wife of 57 years, Doris Mae Reynolds, on June 20, 1953.
Babe is survived by his wife, Doris, of Springfield; one daughter, Tama (Joseph) Kuznik of Springfield; two sons, Edward J. (Lori) Drea of Phoenix, AZ and Timothy E. (Elizabeth) Drea of Justice, IL; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Corso of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Joseph and Patrick Drea.
Babe was an active member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and was a veteran, serving in the 5th Army Air Corps during WWII. He had also been active in the UMWA, Taylorville Knights of Columbus and was a charter member of the Taylorville VFW. He graduated in 1941 from Southfork High School in Kincaid. Mr. Drea retired as a coal miner from Mine 10 in Pawnee after 40 years of service.
Visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, June 6, 2010, at Staab Funeral Home with prayers at 3 p.m. A funeral Mass will be said at 12 noon on Monday, June 7, 2010, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, by Reverend Christopher House. Interment will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery, where Military Honors will be conducted by the Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cathedral Grade School or to the Cathedral Parish.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Drea
Brad Birdsell
June 15, 2010
Tim and family
I am sorry for your loss. Babe was a good man who we all had total respect for. Someone who you could depend on for some helpful advise in good or bad times. Tim, I just learned of your Dad's passing. I'm sorry I wasn't able to be there, but do know I'm thinking of you. When I got this news, it sure brought back a lot of memories that I wouldn't trade for anything. We were both lucky and blessed to have the Dad's we had.
Lynne Slightom
June 9, 2010
On behalf of Central Illinois Foodbank, I would like to extend my condolences to Doris and the family on your loss. You both have been such long-time supporters of our efforts. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sincerely, Lynne
June 8, 2010
Ed, I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember when I was in grade school my mom would drive to the mine to pick up my dad, your dad, and another gentleman when they got off work. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Gail Opolka Hoffman
Gary & Shay Malcom
June 6, 2010
Doris,
We were very sad to read of Babe's passing. Although we haven't seen you or Babe since moving to AZ nearly five years ago, the special times with you guys have often been in my thoughts.
I will always remember his smiling face greeting me most days at the mailbox. You two could always come up with a joke or something funny to make my day brighter. Babe will be missed by many people, including us. It helps ease your sorrow to remember a loved one doesn't leave you as long as their memory is in your heart. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Robin Vota
June 6, 2010
Tim,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Jill and Scott
June 6, 2010
Tammy and Joe
So sorry to hear about your loss. We are thinking of you and your family.
June 6, 2010
Tammy , may the special things about your Dad live on inside your Heart forever. Sue Knecht
Nia and Eman Hassan
June 6, 2010
To the Drea Family:
Mr. Drea made sacrifices for his family and our country in World War II and now God has all him home. He will always be in your hearts and minds.
Before his illness, I enjoyed meeting Mrs. Drea and Mr. Drea on walks in the mall parking lot. You both were always leaving me in the "dust".
Tim, thanks for being of assistance to me when you were on staff and in your current position. Mrs. Drea, Eman and I thank you for getting her through kindergarten. Due to your compassion and dedication, she just completed her freshman year in pre-med at Benedictine University.
May God give you patience at this time and please know that you have people who care about your family.
Lori Dunn
June 5, 2010
Tammy and family so sorry for your loss you are in my prayers and thoughts.
June 5, 2010
Doris,
You taught two of my children as well as my nephew and two nieces in Kindergarten at Cathedral (Ambre and Travis Howard, Zach and Haley Barr, and Whitney DeRosa-David). I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Although we are unable to attend the services on Sunday, you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Dawn Howard-Swaggerty,
Ambre, Travis, Zach, Haley,
and Whitney
Susan and Victor Capranica
June 5, 2010
Tammy and Joe,
We are deeply sorry to hear of your loss. In your first hours and days when you are struggling to comprehend and accept the emptiness in your life and in your heart, please know that you are not alone. We wish you strength, comfort and peace. Eternal life begins now.
Marsha Reynolds
June 5, 2010
I will always remember Uncle Babe coloring with me when I was a little girl and kidding me about the Cardinals and the Cubs. He loved his Cubs! Those were special times to me, and I will truly miss him. May God be with Aunt Doris, Eddie, Timmy and Tammy and the rest of family now and in the days ahead.
Christena Burch
June 5, 2010
Ed and Lori I am so sorry to read about your loss. You are in my prayers.
I miss you both. Chris Burch Union, MO
June 5, 2010
Doris and Kids, We were saddened to here about Babe. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jack And Karen Nichols
Donald and Lisa Timm & Family
June 5, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you.
Sharon Eckhoff
June 5, 2010
Tammy,
Wanted you to know I'm thinking of you
and your family
Sharon Eckhoff
Stephanie Beneky
June 5, 2010
Doris,
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
You and your husband have touched many many lives.
The Acton Family
June 5, 2010
He was such a wonderful part of Cathedral and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chuck & Janie (McArthur) Stanley
June 5, 2010
Doris and family, we were so saddened to hear of Ed's passing. He certainly put up a valiant fight. We will always remember his beautiful smile. Doris, you were an awesome caregiver and so strong. Your love for Ed was a beacon of light. May God's love and your faith give your hearts strength during these times of great sorrow. Hold on to all the wonderful memories of your life together. We wish you peace and love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
June 5, 2010
Tammy and family, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all . Sincerely, Pam Willard
robert robison
June 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
June 5, 2010
Tammy and Joe so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories you have. Cindy Creasey
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