Larry Drew

Larry Drew of Corning, Iowa, passed away at the age of 80 years old on October 24, 2023, surrounded by loved ones, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.  Memorial Services will be 4:00 P.M., Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Corning, Iowa with Mr. Larry Johnson officiating.  Burial will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Corning, Iowa.  Family will receive friends, 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., Friday, November 3, 2023, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to the Larry Drew Memorial Fund, to be established by the family.  Memories and on-line condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Larry Merlin Drew, the only son of Kenneth Merlin and Opal Elizabeth (Ternahan) Drew, was born March 25, 1943 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Larry graduated from Corning High School.  Larry was united in marriage in October, 1962 to Karolyn Badgett.  Two children were born to this union, Debbie Ann and Derek Merlin.  The couple were later divorced.  Larry worked for United grocery store and then Wes’ IGA as a meat cutter, then began working for P.M. Place Store and was Manager for several different locations. Larry returned to Corning where he owned and operating Drew’s Shoe Den for several years.  After selling the shoe store, he became co-owner of the Savemore Grocery Store in Corning with his brother-in-law.  Larry began his career in law enforcement, as a police officer, graduating from Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 1985,  later being elected Sheriff.  He served as the Criminal Justice Planner for Southern Iowa Area Crime Commission, and Chief of Police until his retirement in 2008, having worked 23 years.

Larry always stayed active in his many interests and hobbies.  He had a passion for bowling, archery, trap shooting, scuba diving (a member of the Corning Scuba Team) and roller skating.  Larry was also an avid fisherman and hunter.  Many games of cards were played with family and friends.  He enjoyed the stock-car races at the Adams County Speedway and was Chief Steward for 23 years and a member of the Adams County Fair Board as Treasurer for 28 years.  In 2022, Larry was inducted into the Adams County Speedway Hall of Fame.  He loved to travel and see new sights, going to Kansas City Chiefs’ games with his son and friends.  In retirement, Larry took up the game of golf.  He also was a naturally lucky casino patron.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents:  Britt Drew and Vera Mae (Kepner) Drew; and Charlie and Julia C. (Peterson) Ternahan; his father, Kenneth Merlin Drew; his mother, Opal E. (Ternahan) Drew; infant sister, Kayla Joan and sister Beverly Jean Glaessmann.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Debbie Ann (Drew) England (partner David Bickford); son, Derek Merlin (wife Elizabeth) Drew, both of Omaha, Nebraska; 4 grandchildren:  Tristan McKinley (wife Kristy) England, Dillon Merlin, Colton Eli and Leighton Emma Drew, all of Omaha, Nebraska; 2 great-grandchildren:  Emerson Charles and Clara Jane England; his companion for 28 years, Nancy Robards of Corning, Iowa; brother-in-law, Dan Glaessmann of Omaha, Nebraska; niece, Linda Glaessmann; nephew, Al (Kathy) Glaessmann of Omaha, Nebraska; a great niece; a great-nephew; and many cousins.