Donald Drager

Donald Louis Drager, 84, passed away at his home in Cumberland, on Saturday, February 17, 2007. He was born on a farm in Wiota, Iowa, the son of Fredrick L. and Grace (Michaels) Drager on May 2, 1922. He attended school in Cumberland and graduated with the Cumberland Class of 1939. He was then employed as a trucker. Don was married to Betty Arlene Bissell on July 21, 1941 in Springfield, MO. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II and spent time in Texas, Florida, and as Supply Sergeant at a German Prisoner of War Camp in Indiantown Gap, PA. Don worked as an Iowa State Highway Patrolman for four years until he was called into the Korean Conflict where he served as Staff Sgt. in the Military Police. The American Legion was very dear to his heart and he was a Life Member. Don was the Commander of American Legion Post 35 in Chandler, AZ and also served as the State Chaplain for four years. He served Post 33 in Cameron, MO. Don had the honor of being Chef De Gare in the 40&8. After service, Don was in the insurance business and metal fabrication at which time he was injured at work in 1982. The church was such a big part of his life. He attended the First United Methodist Church in Cumberland. Don will be remembered as one who never met a stranger. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather to his family. He and Betty were blessed to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary last July. He is survived by his seven children, Karen Vickers and husband Vant, Jeron Drager and his wife Barbara, Joyce Drager, Doyle Drager and his wife Cheryl, Denise Drager and Dannie Moon, Darla Drager, Cheryl Goodwin and husband Richard; grandchildren, Vant "Buddy" Vickers and wife Joyce, Derek Drager and wife Ashley, Donald Nunez, Justin Drager and wife Melissa, Christopher Drager and Hillary Goodwin; and great grandchildren, Georgia Drager, Hunter Drager, Jacob Drager, Preston Drager, Ty Drager, and Trevor Moon. The family will meet with friends at a visitation on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 at the Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. A funeral service has been set for Wednesday, February 21 at 1:00pm in the First Methodist Church at Cumberland. Pastor Dick Krambeck will be officiating. The committal service, with military honors, will be held in the Massena Cemetery north of Massena, Iowa. Don's family extends an invitation for friends to join for a luncheon, back at the church, following the interment.Funeral InformationDonald "Don" Louis DragerBorn May 2, 1922 in Wiota, IowaENTERED INTO RESTSaturday, February 17, 200784 years, 9 months and 15 daysFUNERAL SERVICE1:00 PMWednesday, February 21, 2007Cumberland United Methodist Church ~ Cumberland, IAOFFICIATINGPastor Dick KrambeckCumberland United Methodist Church ~ Cumberland, IAMUSICAL SELECTIONSThe Old Rugged Cross Congregation ~ page 504When the Roll is Called Up Yonder by Barbara DragerPIANISTLeta GerlockBEARERSVant "Buddy" Vickers Derek Drager Donald NunezJustin Drager Christopher Drager Larry ThompsonHONORARY BEARERHillary GoodwinCOMMITTAL SERVICEMassena Cemetery North of Massena, IAFLOWER COMMITTEEJan Henkenius Margery PelzerLUNCHEONThere will be a luncheon at the CumberlandUnited Methodist Church following the interment.