BUXTON/Standish- John Jay Drew Jr. 94, of Standish, Maine passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family. He was the son of John Drew Sr. & Artinese Comeou. He graduated at Hollis High School and served in the Navy for 4 years during WWII. It was shortly after he came home that he met & married Maxine Gerry and stayed happily married for 52 years till her passing. They had two sons, the late James Drew and Gerry Drew. Along with their two sons they raised a niece as a daughter from a young age, Susan Collins. They also cared for 13 foster children in their home. John was very talented and skillful, evident by all he did through his life - Building their furniture for their home, building & racing stock cars and constructing two houses with his son Gerry. John started working in the woods around Hollis and Dayton as a lumberjack and then went to work for Fred I Merrill, where he soon worked his way up to Crane Crew Supervisor. He participated in the construction and demolition of many notable structures in Maine. He was forced to retire after a tragic fall down an elevator shaft during the construction of the University of Maine Law Bldg. Although he was not expected to recover, he went on to live almost four decades more. He was a very strong man right to the end. John always had a smile, spoke little, but cared deeply. He had strong religious beliefs, however, he preferred to practice and hold them close and personal. John was privileged to be taken on the Honor Flight with his son Gerry this past October in which he truly enjoyed. He was also awarded a Quilt of Valor by the Quilt of Valor Foundation & certificate of Honor April 10th, 2018 honoring him for his years of service inthe Navy. He was predeceased by his wife, Maxine and oldest son, James. Also brothers Edwin Drew, Robert Drew and sisters Natalie Smith and Betty Gardner. He is survived by his son, Gerry & wife DeAnna Drew, Daughter, Susan Collins & husband Chris. Grandchildren Alisha Wagner, Jennifer Morgan, Christopher Collins, Laura Pondok and Kathy Wakefield along with several great grandchildren.We would also like to give special thanks to all the VA & VNA Hospice Team for their Compassionate care and support.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday April 28, at 2 PM, at Highland Cemetery, located on Cemetery Lane (which is off Clark’s Mills Road/ Rt.35) in Dayton. Following the service, everyone is welcome back to Gerry and DeAnna’s home for a reception and gathering.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home website, www.mainefuneral.com.