Michael David Drew

Michael David Drew went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 2, 2015. He was born in Charlotte, NC on January 10, 1941. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 1:30 PM at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home. Harry Tackett of West Alameda Church of Christ will officiate. Michael will lie in state Thursday, March 5, 2015 until the time of service. Visitation will be from 5: 00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday evening. Graveside services will be at the Gen Douglas McBride Veterans Cemetery, conducted by the VA Honor Guard. Special music will be provided by precious friends, Carolyn Johnson and Tommy Graves and partners. Pallbearers will be members of the Roswell Fire Department. Honorary Pallbearers will include Dr. Evan Nelson, Brett Clay, Tommy Graves, Gaylon Martin, Chevy Melero, Ray Polanco and Mike Puckett. Michael David Drew and Carolyn Deane Gibbs were united in marriage on April 22, 1961 at Trinity Methodist Church. Together they celebrated 53 years of marriage. Those waiting to meet him at the gate are his Mother and Father, Walter and Margaret Dark; birth Father, John Wesley Drew; Grandparents, Michael David and Barbara Molliker; and Brother, Donald Dark. Mike and his family moved in December of 1946 to Phoenix, Arizona, which became his home until he joined the US Air Force in August, 1959. He was stationed at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico until his discharge on October 31, 1966. While in the Air Force, he reached the rank of Staff Sargent. Mike was sent to NCO Prep School and was named as the Honor Graduate of his class. His job was being a mechanic on B-52’s. Michael joined the Roswell Fire Department in August of 1975, where he attained the rank of Battalion Chief before retiring in November, 1992. He was proud to have served his country and community which became his home for almost 55 years. Michael was a very honorable man who had a highly favored work ethic. He never asked anyone to do anything he would not do himself. Model railroads and slot car racing were his hobbies with his son. Together, they would build model cars and airplanes. Cars were his passion, especially corvettes, having four different ones. Mike, his wife Carolyn and son, refurbished a 1931 Model A. On drag race day, at the local strip, you most probably would find the “Drew Crew”. Mike never missed a chance to show pictures of his son and his race car “Scarlet Fever”. Michael was a man who was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. If he was your friend, he truly was your friend. Those left with many fond memories are his wife, Carolyn, whom he lovingly called his “Bride of Many Summers.” Also remaining are a son, Michael T. Drew, his finance, Cara and her children, Perry, Jessie, Brice, Simon and Aislinn; granddaughter, Heather Marie Drew Albin and her husband, Josh of Bloomfield, NM; adopted granddaughter, Lesley Albin of Bloomfield, NM; great grandsons, Jonathan and Michael; sisters, Eleanor Duffy of Tempe, AZ, and Joan Levens of Wimauma, FL; sisters-in-law, Susan Stephens of Albuquerque, NM, and Betty Dark of Parish, NY; many nieces and nephews including Mark Duffy and his wife, Susie and their family of Mesa, AZ, Jammie Sue Stephens, Jimmy Lee and his wife Connie all of Albuquerque, NM. Also surviving Michael is the mother of his precious granddaughter, Carla Stoddard of Belen, NM. We give our heartfelt thanks to Mike’s special doctor, Dr. Evan Nelson for his care, compassion and love, and to all of the people of Gentiva Hospice and his primary and very special nurse, Jessica Brooks. Not to be forgotten are Timothy Arlet, Stacie, Margarita, Monica, Rosalia, Jessica, Alma, Chris, Sterling and volunteers Chris and Dennis. Our Love to all of you. God Bless. “When it comes your time to join me, I’ll be there”.

Michael David Drew

January 10, 1941 - March 2, 2015