Fred P. Drayer, (Lt. Col. USAF Ret.), 81, Fairview Heights, IL, born January 30, 1936, in Doland, SD, died Saturday, July 1, 2017, at his residence.
Mr. Drayer received his Bachelors degree from South Dakota State College and his Masters degree from Webster College. Fred was a management engineer for the United States Air Force. He retired after 26 years of service. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he worked as the human resource director at Marsh Stencil Co. for 12 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, O’Fallon, IL. Mr. Drayer enjoyed golf outings, his church coffee group and travel. He loved watching his grandson play baseball and never missed a game. Spending time with family and friends was a priority that he enjoyed the most.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Valerie Holden; his parents, Milford and Mamie, nee Kirkeby, Drayer; one sister, Elaine Smith; and four brothers-in-law, Bill Montgomery, John McClellan, John Gillmore and Herron Smith.
Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Norma M., nee Montgomery, Drayer, whom he married August 2, 1986;
three daughters, Nicole Drayer of O’Fallon, IL, Michele Mullaney of Morrisville, PA, and Suzanne (Michael) Scott of Raymond, NH;
a stepson, Bruce Gaston of San Diego, CA and a stepdaughter, Angie (John) Kinney of Belleville, IL;
three brothers, Clair “Bud” (Verlyn) Drayer of Watertown, SD, John (Judine) Drayer of Albuquerque, NM, and Wayne (Carol) Drayer of Crestview, FL;
six grandchildren, Victoria DeChane, Marissa (DJ) Martel, Marcus Drayer, Elliot Kinney, and Megan and Krista Mullaney;
one great grandchild Gabriel Martel.
Also surviving are a brother-in-law, John (Medessa) Montgomery of Sallisaw, OK, and two sisters in law Juanita McClellan of Saginaw, MI, and Ginger Gillmore of Columbia, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. Clair County Historical Society or The First United Methodist Church, O’Fallon, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 6, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 7, 2017, at the funeral home with Rev. Becky Williams officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
Arrangements by George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL
Condolences Left For Fred Drayer
I attended Doland High School with Fred, a good friend and an example to be followed. Harvey Wollman, former Governor of South Dakota
Harvey Wollman, Frankfort, SD, 57440
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Fred at Marsh Stencil for those years, wonderful man, will be missed.
Kris Converse, Smithton, Il, 62285
Norma and Family –
Sorry for your loss of a great husband, father and grandfather. My prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Diana Daily, Belleville, IL, 62221
Norma & Family,
My deepest sympathy at this time of Fred’s passing. i have many special memories of our years working at Marsh Company. My fondest memories are of the many golf outings we had together at The Orchards and other courses in the area. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time!
Dale Blohm, Nashville, Illinois, 62263
