Mr. Donald Ray “Don” Drew, 79, passed away Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at his home in Melfa, with his loving wife, Donna Crockett Drew, by his side. A native of Norfolk, he was born Aug. 3, 1945, to the late Edwin John Drew Sr. and Frances Virginia Parker Drew.
A true jack-of-all-trades, Don was rarely seen without a tool in hand and was always busy with a project. His passion for mechanics and welding took root during his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he spent much of his time maintaining and repairing aircraft. His expertise in aviation made small engine repair second nature, a skill he carried throughout his life and loved sharing with his grandson.
In later years, Don found joy in designing and 3-D printing intricate diorama train stations. One to always notice a classic car or bike, Don knew he had met the love of his life when he caught a glimpse of a young woman on a motorcycle, and on Dec. 14, 1969, Don and Donna began their 55-year journey together.
Partners in both life and work, the Drews co-owned Copper Creations, where they spent countless hours in their garage welding and soldering handcrafted copper artwork. Over the course of three decades the Drews designed and constructed a myriad of artwork. Their collaborative talents and passion for their craft earned them numerous awards, but what they cherished most were the many invaluable friendships they built along the way.
When they weren’t creating, they enjoyed afternoon motorcycle rides and never missed a Sunday worship at Rock Church. Don’s legacy will live on through his life’s work and his memory in the hearts of those he loved most.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 55 years, Donna; daughter, Cheryl Bono, and her husband, Scott, of Melfa; brothers, Frank Drew and his wife, Wanda, and John Drew and his wife, Pat, all of Virginia Beach; grandson, Kyle Sosnowski and his fiancée, Adrianna; granddaughter, Savannah Bono; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Betty Drew.
A service to celebrate Don’s life will be held at the Rock Church of the Eastern Shore on Saturday, March 1, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Paul Nolz officiating. Private interment, with military honors, will be held at the Onancock Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Rock Church of the Eastern Shore, 27112 Lankford Highway, Onley, VA 23418.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
