Paul Drury

CHARLESTON – Paul Allen Drury, 80, of Charleston, passed away Friday, September 6, 2024 at home, with family at his side.

His graveside funeral with military rites by Paul McVey V.F.W. Post #1592 and its' Auxiliary and Charleston American Legion Post #93 will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 13, 2024 at Thomas Lincoln (Shiloh) Cemetery, rural Lerna.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.  IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorials in his honor may be made to the DAV or Thomas Lincoln Cemetery.

Paul was born February 5, 1944 at Charleston, son of Lewis E. and Allene (Best) Drury.  He married Charlene Kipping, December 5, 1965; they divorced in 1988.  He later married Darletta K. Young, April 17, 1988 at Mattoon; she preceded him in death.  He is survived by their children, Karen Tenhagen and husband Alfons of Derry, NH, Diane Ratliff and husband Ken of Lerna, Charles Drury and wife Lisa of Clarksville, TN, and Judy Walters and husband Chris of Westfield,  Michael R. Easton and wife Jackie of Hopkinsville, KY, Steven D. Easton of Mattoon, and Valerie L. Housman and husband Terry of Lerna; Siblings, William Drury of Sullivan, Rick Drury of Warner Robins, GA, Dave Drury of  Danville, IN, Mary Martha Harding of Charleston, and Norma Stanberry of Arcola.  Thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren also survive.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister, and one great-grandchild.

Paul was a career U.S. Air Force Vietnam War veteran.  He later worked for Charleston Township, and his last career was being a lawn mower mechanic.  Paul was a life member of Paul McVey V.F.W. Post #1592.  He was an active member of the Thomas Lincoln Cemetery Board.