Richard Louis “Dick” Drewes, 88, of Brookville, IN passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, OH.
Dick was born in Brookville on January 28, 1934, to Richard A. and Helen Schuck Drewes. After graduation from Brookville High School, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1955, attended The Armored School, and took a wheel vehicle mechanic course. He attained the rank of SP3 (T) Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, and received the Marksman (M-1) badge and the Good Conduct medal.
On June 22, 1957, Dick married Jean Kunkel at St. Peter Catholic Church, and they enjoyed over sixty-four years together. An extremely hard worker, he was involved in the automotive industry his entire life. He started working at the age of 16 at the Mobil gas station his Dad leased, pumping gas before school. In 1951, his Dad started his own business, Rich’s Sales and Service. Dick, his Dad and Uncle Ed even poured concrete for the new building! Dick continued working there and eventually became a partner. He then became co-owner of Rich’s Sales and Service with his brother, Tom. Following that, he then purchased the automobile dealership Valley Motors, Inc. with his brother, Tom and James Schreiner selling Chevrolets, Oldsmobiles, and Mark Twain boats. He then bought a Snap-On Tool franchise, and lastly, purchased NAPA Auto Parts Brookville Automotive, again with his brother, Tom. NAPA was then sold, but Dick remained working there until he retired at the age of 81.
Dick was a lifelong member of St. Michael Church, fried chicken for the St. Michael Church Festival for many years, and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1010. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing the trumpet, and playing softball and basketball. He excelled at woodworking, making beautiful pieces for family and friends. He also loved yardwork, eating, watching the Reds, Bengals, and college and NBA games, country music, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and caring for his beloved beagle, Charlie.
In addition to his wife Jean, Dick is survived by four children: Stephen (Judy) Drewes of Brookville, Diane Drewes of Indianapolis, Deborah (Joseph) Kaiser of West Harrison, and David (Stacey) Drewes of Cincinnati; eight grandchildren: Jennifer (Jesse) Graf. Brittany Drewes (fiancé Jimmy Blades), Brandon (Stephanie) Kaiser, Austin Kaiser, Derek (Kallen) Kaiser, Cody Kaiser, Jared Drewes, and Rachael Drewes: eight great-grandchildren: twins Jorja and Joslyn, Jovie and Jaxon Graf, Jacob Heinrich, Bailey and Griffin Kaiser, Rory Kaiser, and one on the way; one brother: Thomas (Jo Ann) Drewes, of Brookville, one sister: Sister Betty Drewes, OSB of Ferdinand, and one brother-in-law William M. Dorsel of Fort Lauderdale, Florida: four godchildren: Theresa Drewes Benkert, Elaine Kuntz, Sharon Drewes, and Cathy Kunkel Schuman. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Reverend Robert Drewes; and one sister: Mary Ann Dorsel.
Friends may visit at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home 929 Main Street in Brookville on Wednesday, May 4th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. The Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Brookville with Father Dustin Boehm officiating. Interment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.
For more information, to send condolences, or to sign the online guest book go to, www.cookrosengberger.com, The Staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Richard L. “Dick’ Drewes.