Edwin Ray “Bud” Drennen, 93, of Grove City, PA passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his
daughter’s home in Warren, PA on May 4, 2018.
Ed was born with his twin sister two months premature in a farmhouse in Springfield Township, PA on
May 8, 1924 to the late Thomas Gregg and Emma Marie Drennen. He graduated from Grove City High
School in 1942. He enlisted in the US Army and served with Company D, 534th Engineer Boat & Shore
Regiment, landing his bulldozer on many islands in New Guinea and the Philippines.
Upon his return home, Ed married Alma Rae Slater in 1949 at Sligo United Methodist Church in Sligo, PA.
Alma remained the love of his life until his passing 68 years later. Like most of his family, Ed began
working as a coal miner in Mercer and Clarion Counties, eventually becoming owner/operator of T. B.
Mathieson Coal Company.
Music was a big part of Ed’s life, singing and playing multiple instruments. Ed was happiest when he was
with his family or on the golf course. He was the perfect embodiment of the Greatest Generation, a
man of great morals, work ethic, generosity, patience and kindness.
Ed is survived by his wife, Alma, his son Thomas Drennen (Sharon) and his daughter Sally Villella (John).
He is remembered with love by four generations of family including his grandchildren Nicholas Villella,
Jaroso, CO, Janie Villella Sharon (Edward), Brocton, NY and Rachel Drennen Manley (Gerald), Bel Air, MD
and two great granddaughters Charlotte and Sophie Sharon. His brother-in-law Robert Randolph, sister-
in-law Helene “Cricket” Slater and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews also survive him.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Evelyn Ruth Drennen.
Ed was cared for by Mandy Jurkowski and his Family expresses their gratitude for her heart-felt care and
compassion.
Friends may call on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc.,
304 East Street, Warren, PA., where a funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 11:00 AM
with Rev. William R. Beatty, Pastor of the Warren Grace United Methodist Church, officiating. Full
Military Honors will be bestowed by members of the Clarendon/Sheffield V.F.W. Funeral Honor Guard
and the U.S. Army. Burial will follow the funeral at St Joseph’s Cemetery in Warren, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Grace United Methodist Church, 210 S. Broad
Street, Grove City, PA., 16127 or Struthers Library Theater, 302 W. Third Street, Warren, PA. 16365.
E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Uncle Ed was an inspiration for me growing up. I miss the many happy family reunions. My deepest condolences to Aunt Alma, Tom and Sally.
We are so saddened by your loss, Sally and John. You have shown your great love for your family by caring for your Dad and Mom. Your Mom will draw great comfort from you as you continue in your care for her. We pray that you will find peace in God’s love for you. As I read about him I realize how amazing he was but I already knew that, Sally, because of who you are. Take care. Love, Mike and Patty
My sincere condolences to your entire family. I truly enjoyed working with Ed. He will be missed by all. Christina Knisley
Ed Drennen was truly a great example of “The Greatest Generation”. Tall and strong, accomplished, but always kind, encouraging, and genuinely interested in what others were doing. I loved visiting with Uncle Ed and Aunt Alma, both as a boy and later as a young man. I can’t think of our many family meetings without fond memories of him. His was truly a life well lived, and I am certain The Lord is saving a special place for him. My warmest regards and condolences to Aunt Alma, Tom, Sally and families in this time.