Dan Drye

FARMINGTON Martin "Dan" Drye of Farmington passed away October 25, 2020 at his home at the age of 79. He was born December 1, 1940 in Haglar, Arkansas to the late Lanco D. Drye and Minnie (Hoover) Drye. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Leon, Joe and Clarence Drye, sisters, Carolyn Bell and Elizabeth Cody, a stepdaughter, Debbie Smith, his mother in law, Alice Ray, and sister and brother in laws, Gary Fortenberry, Bill Gresham, Herman Cody, Willard Ray, Eugene Ray, Finis Hardy, Frances Hardy, Iris Queen and Gary Odle. Dan graduated from Stuttgart, Arkansas High School in 1958 where he was a track standout. For twenty years he held the Arkansas state record in the 400 yard dash. He went into the Air Force soon after high school where he proudly served his country. The military took him to Spain and he also served in Blytheville, Arkansas. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Dan returned to the St. Louis area where he worked for the Rexall Drug Store. He then lived in Campbell, Missouri where he was employed with the citys water department. In 1984 Dan moved the family to Farmington where he soon became a corrections officer at the Farmington Correctional Facility where he worked for eighteen years until his retirement. Dan was a hard worker who enjoyed doing any handyman jobs he could find. He liked fishing, gardening, woodworking and just being outside to enjoy nature. His family will fondly remember his caring nature and that his "actions spoke louder than words". His grandchildren would all say that he was a very loving grandpa. Survivors include his loving wife of 18 years, Berta (Ray) Drye; children, William Drye and Charlie Drye and his fianc, Michelle Koppeis; step-children, Scott (Sherrie) Barton, Doug (Trish) Barton and Tamara Reece; grandchildren, Kayla, Patrick, Kyleigh, Timothy, Lyla, Keeva, Katy, Peyton, Brett, Holly & Brendan; one great grandchild, Aria; his siblings, Debroah Gresham, Doris Fortenbery, Gina Drye, Dean (Sissy) Drye, Minnie Hodnett and Trudy Drye and Sherry Drye, his former wife and good friend, his sister in laws, Nancy Hall, Janet Odle and Joy (Tom) Hall, and his brother in law, Dave (Linda) Ray. Also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. Visitation will be held Friday, October 30, at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 8 p.m. Visitation will resume Saturday morning beginning at 7 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m. in the Cozean Chapel with Rev. Cheston Pickard officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Three Rivers Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Diabetes Association. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic the family would ask that facial masks be required. View the tribute video and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory Friday, October 30, 2020 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Visitation Resumes Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory Saturday, October 31, 2020 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Funeral Service Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory Saturday, October 31, 2020 11:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Interment Service Three Rivers Cemetery Saturday, October 31, 2020 12:15 PM Farmington, Missouri 63640