Emanuel Howard Drennen, Sr.

Emanuel Howard Drennen, Sr., 73, of Bowerston, passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 after a lengthy illness. Born January 23, 1941 in Clendenin, W. Va., he was a son of the late Emanuel Emerson and Joie Blanche (Foster) Drennen.

A resident of the Bowerston area for the past 20 years, Howard had previously resided in Richmond, Va. for much of his life. He was an auto mechanic by trade and a veteran of the U.S. Army, having proudly served his country from 1960 to 1963. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, as well as being an NASCAR fan who especially loved cheering on his all-time favorite driver, the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Howard was Baptist by faith.

On November 28, 2013, Howard was preceded in death by his first love and devoted companion of 25 years, Sandra L. Ball. He was also preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Viola and Earl Quinn. He is survived by a daughter, Peggy (companion, Bill Hilliker) Vincent of Bowerston; sons, Scott Benge (companion, Sharon Stitt) of Bowerston and Emanuel Howard (companion, Kathy Phelps) Drennen, Jr. of Petersburg, Va.; grandchildren, Scott Benge, Jr., Crystal Benge, Pete Vincent, Justin Vincent, Danielle Vincent, Billy Hilliker and Shawna Hilliker; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Hayle, Mason, Logan, Owen, Brent and Aubrey; and a sister, Kimberly Drennen of Columbus.

In keeping with Howard’s wishes, he has been cremated without a public visitation. A private graveside service is planned at Longview Cemetery in Bowerston where he will be interred with his beloved Sandra. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to the American Cancer Society, in lieu of flowers.