Lawrence Larry Drinen

Lawrence Drinen, age 82 of Lexington, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2013, at his home. Lawrence was born on July 19, 1930 in Pevely, MO to William Henry Drinen and Virginia Alice (Manning) Drinen. He lived most of his life in and around St. Louis and Hillsboro, Missouri. He attended school at Hercalanium. Lawrence joined the United States Marines and served his country proudly. Lawrence was sort of a jack of all trades. He worked at the St. Joe Lead Company, for an upholstery company, helped build swimming pools for a while and most recently retired from the Missouri Highway Department after more than 27 years of service. On October 12, 1997, he married Barbra Jean Morgan and moved to her home in Lexington, OK. Lawrence did not have any living children, but when he married Barbra, it didn't take long for him to fall in love with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In his eyes, his great grandchildren could do no wrong. After all, they are supposed to get whatever they want and should never be made to cry. Lawrence felt especially close to his grandsons, Blake and Jacob, and their dad, Robby. They were always there for him whenever he needed help. Lawrence was a faithful member of the Twelve Corners Baptist Church. He built the cross just above the baptistry and felt much honored to do that. He enjoyed doing all kinds of wood crafts, and was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing until his health declined. He made two trips to Canada with his fishing buddies from Missouri and after moving to Oklahoma, he enjoyed fishing with his buddy and brother-in-law, Jimmy Vaught. Lawrence was a gentle giant; a kind and generous person with a heart as big as Dallas. He would do anything to help anybody, and anyone who knew him had a friend for life. You couldn't help but love him. He will be greatly missed more than words can express. He was a wonderful provider, a good husband and a best friend and soul mate to Barbra. He was preceded in death by: His 1st wife, Bette Lou Drinen; Infant son, William Larry Drinen; His parents, William and Virginia Drinen; His sister, Ruth Shifflett; His brother, David Drinen; Step sister, Shirley Lancaster and Brother-in-law, Jimmy Vaught. Lawrence leaves behind: His wife, Barbra Drinen of the home; 2 step daughters, Rhonda Simmons and husband Terry of Noble and Twila Rogers and husband Robby of Norman; Step grandchildren, Ryan Simmons, Cody Simons, Blake Rogers and wife Samantha, Jacob Rogers, Cassandra Edwards and husband Isaac, Lindsey Kimbrue, Rachel Kolb and husband Billy; Step great grandchildren, Tye, Tia, Jamie "J.J.", Destiny, Katelyn, Jasmine, Jaiden, Ruby, Hailey, Collin, Emily, Kayleigh, Myleigh and Gabrielle; 3 sisters, Betty Ann Keife and huband Gene of Hillsboro, MO, Alice Buren of Ellisville, MO and Wilma Head and husband Lee of Perryville, MO; His brother, Charles Drinen and wife Tiny of St. Louis, MO; Sister-in-laws, Flora Mae Williams and husband Ed and Linda Murnan and husband Eldon, all of Noble, Edna Vaught of Chickasha and Brother-in-law, Jerry Vaught and wife Velma of Lexington; And a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services are scheduled for 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at the Twelve Corners Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Noble I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Twelve Corners Baptist Church at 15601 E. Etowah Rd., Noble, Okla 73068

Lawrence Larry Drinen

July 19, 1930 - May 12, 2013