John Drum Sr.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- John Francis Drum Sr., 92, of Perryville, formerly of Oak Ridge, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville.

He was born Oct. 24, 1915, at Oak Ridge, son of Marvin and Lottie Fulbright Drum. After the death of his mother he was raised by his father and stepmother, Ethel Smith. He and Dessie Moore were married Oct. 20, 1943. She died Sept. 25, 2003.

Drum served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945, serving in the European Theatre as a tank driver.

He farmed several years then worked as a heavy equipment operator for Cape Girardeau County Highway Department more than 20 years, retiring in 1980. He was a 50-year member of Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, John F. (Opal) Drum Jr. of Perryville; and two grandchildren, William Paul Drum of Perryville and Shelly Nicole Drum of Kansas City, Mo.

He was preceded in death by a half brother, Marvin.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson. There will be an American Legion Honor Guard service at 6:30 p.m.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jon Sedgwick officiating. Burial will be in New Salem United Methodist Cemetery at Daisy with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Salem Cemetery Fund.