Edwin M. “Morry” Drury was called home to Heaven on August 18, 2025.

He was born on September 23, 1935, in Washington County, Kentucky, the son of Milton and Mabel (Lake) Drury.  Morry’s early childhood was marked by hard work on the farm and listening to the Saturday night Grand Ole Opry.  The family moved to Duncan, KY in 1941, and then to DeKalb in May 1948, where he remained the rest of his life.  During his middle school years at Haish School, Morry worked two paper routes, rising at 4 a.m. to deliver the Chicago Daily News and The DeKalb Daily Chronicle after school.

Morry’s work ethic was unparalleled, working various jobs, and for nearly 11 years at Wurlitzer Piano Factory in 1963.  Morry then began working for Roland Plumbing, which eventually paved the way to his own proprietorship, “Drury Plumbing”, which was established on June 6, 1969.  He had a loyal following of customers who valued and respected him and his work ethic until his retirement at 76 years old, on September 3, 2011.

Morry began dating the love of his life Joan (Wood) in 1951, which led to their marriage on September 21, 1952. For nearly 73 years, they walked hand in hand through life’s trials and triumphs.  Together they raised four children (Jim, Sheryl, Brenda, and Kim).

Family life was the center of Morry’s world, taking his children on many local camping trips, and also vacations to Kentucky and the Smoky Mountains.  Later years saw occasional trip to Florida, Las Vegas, Reno, and Biloxi, MS. with Joan.  Family time was always filled with Morry’s beloved country music.  Joan and Morry hosted many “jam sessions” in their home.  A talented singer, who rivaled the best Nashville had to offer, Morry opted to take care of his four children and wife, playing local gigs.

Baseball was another love of Morry’s.  He coached Jim’s Little League baseball teams in the early “60”s, and proudly led the majors’ team to the 1965 DeKalb City Championship.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years Joan (Wood); his children James Drury, Sheryl Protano, and Kimberly (Mike) Knowlton; his grandchildren Heather (Ethan) Bakken, Trevor(Lori) Anderson, Lindsey Anderson, Brian (Michelle) Anderson, Alyssa (Jeremy Stark) Knowlton and Travis (Morgan Wassner) Drury; his great grandchildren Katherine, Logan, Ruby, Isabelle, Jackson, Bridger, Ellie, Claire, Jillian and Parker Lynn; his sisters Sandra (Greg) Haraf, Lisa (Mike) Rourke; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his daughter Brenda Drury; his parents, and his sisters Mary Vodden and Joan Kephardt. 

A special thank you to Heartland Hospice, especially nurses Tara, Marty and Lori. Also thank you to Dr. Thakkar and Tina MacAdam for their care.    

Memorial visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb. Interment of cremated remains will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb.  A luncheon will immediately follow at the DeKalb Moose Family Center, 1231 E. Lincoln Hwy. in DeKalb.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Drury Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 S. Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.