Stephen E. Drew Sr., 61

DOVER - Stephen E. Drew Sr. of Dover departed this life Monday, Sept. 24, 2007, at home. He was 61.

Mr. Drew was born Feb. 6, 1946, to the late Eleanor C. and Orlando M. Drew Sr.

He was raised in Clarksville.

Mr. Drew, or "Nicky" as he was passionately called by his family, attended Frankford School and graduated from the distinguished William C. Jason Comprehensive High School of Georgetown in 1964.

After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and later became the first African-American to enlist in the Dagsboro unit of the Delaware National Guard. During his stint in the U.S. Army, he was sent to the Vietnam War where he experienced great tribulation and was honorably discharged in 1969.

The jack of all trades and "master of many," Mr. Drew moved to Dover in 1970.

He was employed with DelDOT"s Highway Department for 15 years.

Mr. Drew later became an apartment maintenance manager, which allowed him to use all of his skills.

He also was a skilled pipe layer for Teal Construction for numerous years before having to retire due to injury.

Mr. Drew was a skilled laborer who mastered carpentry, electrical operations, maintenance, plumbing and automotive mechanics.

He was a true "old school music connoisseur;" his passion for music was appreciated by all who came in contact with him.

Mr. Drew thoroughly enjoyed playing cards and sharing his knowledge of life, music and math to all who would listen.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 27 years, Cynthia Drew of Dover; six children, Darrell (Natalia) Woods of Phoenix, Nika (Kevin) Reid of Bayard, and Tamika Drew, Christina Drew, Catherine Drew and Claudia Drew, all of Dover; two stepchildren whom he had an integral role in raising, Felicia Lake of Baltimore, and Aaron S. Hall of Clarksville; three brothers, Martin A. (Sharon) Drew of Smyrna, Edward (Gracie Ann) Drew of Bishopville, and James (Vanessa) Deloach of Gumboro; two sisters, Catherine Walters and Claudia (Morris) Waters, both of Clarksville; four aunts, Frances Showell of Milton, Loretta Choudry of Cheswold, Louise Becton of Virginia, and Della Mae Drew of Clarksville; four grandchildren, Asha" and Asante" Woods of Phoenix, K. Andrew Reid of Bayard, and Lynejah C. Drew of Dover; his mother-in-law, Maralyn Smith of Dover; two sisters-in-law, Beverly (Steve) Bordley of Dover, and Karen (Charles) Tucker of Felton; and a host of nephews and nieces and friends, to which his "wisdom and knowledge" will forever be cherished.

He was preceded in death by a son, Stephen E. Drew Jr., in 2000.

Memorial services will be noon Saturday at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.