John Drummond, 88, Chanute, died Friday, August 13, 2010 at the Chanute Health Care Center.

He was born on August 11, 1922 in rural Dennis, the son of Ira and Lula Bertsch Drummond.

He was united in marriage to Nelva Marie Ward on Feb. 23, 1945 at Iola.

John worked 29 years for Western Petro Chemical Wax Plant. He also worked a second job with B & D Contractors for 16 years.

He was an avid gardener and provided fresh produce to all his family and friends. He was a hard worker and was always available to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. Even with very little formal education, he was able to repair almost anything.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Oil Chemical and Atomic Union Workers.

John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nelva, of the home; a daughter, Patricia Ann Briley and husband, Leon, Paola; a son, Steven Lee Drummond and wife, Melody, Peculiar, Mo.; and like a daughter, Patricia Eileen “Tish” Matlock and husband, Cecil, of Chanute; a brother, Frank Drummond and wife, Doris, Parsons; grandchildren, Angela Zahn and husband, Steve, Pleasant Hill, Mo., Bart Briley and wife, Meaghen, Olathe, Carrie Casserilla and husband, Brian, Laguna Niguel, Calif., Derek Drummond and wife, Maegan, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Cory Drummond and wife, Contessa, Overland Park, great-grandchildren, Shelby and Allie Zahn, Noah, Gracely, and Luke Briley, Briley, Brenna, and Xavier Casserilla and Aubrey and Dawson Drummond; stepgreat-grandaughter Steffany Madden and husband, Josh, Lane; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter Deidri Marie; a great-grandson Eli Cooper Briley, brothers, Ray, Roy and Glen, and sisters, Pearl Shields, Alice Easley, Martha and Gladys Drummond.

Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. today, Aug. 17 at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Window Restoration Fund and may be left with the funeral home.

Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

“To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com”