Lon Draney

1949 - 2022

Lon Draney
December 14, 1949 - August 18, 2022
Pasco, Washington - Lon Lee Draney was born December 14, 1949 to Leonard Lee and Ruby June Draney. He passed away August 18, 2022. Lon is survived by Elaine Draney, his wife of 46 years; his five children (and spouses), Tami (and Joe) Cutler, Chris (and Lisa) Draney, Michael (and Anita) Draney, Angie Draney, and Britney (and Landon) Rowley. He is the proud "Papa" to sixteen beloved grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother and lifelong best friend, Alan Draney.
Lon was born in Burley, Idaho and grew up in Warden, Washington, where he used to say the only activities were playing music or driving into Moses Lake to pick a fight. He spent his high school days playing basketball and holding impromptu concerts for the tiny teenage population in his backyard. After graduating from Warden High School, Lon attended two years at Big Bend Community College before he was drafted to serve in the United States Army in Vietnam. He worked as an assistant to the Adjutant General in the Headquarters Company, XXIV Corp, Sixth (Charlie) Company, Third Squad, flying in helicopters throughout Vietnam. Lon's wartime service engendered a deep patriotism that served as a framework for his values throughout his life. After the war, he earned a degree in Accounting from Central Washington University in 1974 and subsequently settled in Pasco to work at Baker and Giles CPAs.
Lon met his sweetheart in Pasco and he proposed after a lengthy four-date courtship. They loved attending church dances during their engagement where Lon validated his reputation as a terrific dancer. They married on June 24, 1976 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
After teaching himself about computer systems, Lon pivoted careers and spent the rest of his working years teaching computer languages like Linux and providing enterprise technical support at the Hanford site. He especially loved teaching and spent many years teaching Accounting and Computer Languages at CBC, and college religion classes for his church.
Lon loved coaching his kids' basketball teams and never missed a game or concert for any of his five kids if he could help it. He attended scout camps, girls camp, and was well-known by the youth in his community as a friendly, fun, and energetic supporter. He often spent his weekends attending high school sporting activities to support the youth in his church.
Lon was defined by his love of music, and seemed to always be drumming on the nearest available surface or dancing to whatever beat was in the background. He played the drums in six rock-and-roll bands during his lifetime, most recently with Cruise Control, which he founded with his brother and close friends at age 57. His grandkids' favorite memories of him often include dancing under the light of his glowing drumsticks at his concerts and dance lessons at impromptu family dance parties.
Lon is known for his deep faith and active service to his neighbors and friends. He devoted much of his life to serving his church community. No matter his official service assignment in the congregation, Lon was known to all as a friend. He reached out to each individual and made sure they felt wanted and loved. He might be remembered most for his smile, friendly effusive handshakes, and warm hugs.
Lon's funeral will be held on Friday, August 26 at 12:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Pasco Stake Center), 2004 North 24th Ave, Pasco, WA. Viewings will be held Thursday, August 25, 5:00-7:00 pm and Friday, August 26, 10:30-11:30 am at the same location.