Col., Us Army (Ret.) Frederick R. Drews

Fred passed away on Monday, February 11, 2019 at UPMC Pinnacle Carlisle, Carlisle, PA.
He was born October 20, 1929 in Corry, PA and was adopted at the age of 6 months by the late Fred and Minnie Drews of Buffalo, NY. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Dolores J. (Bunny) Drews. He is survived by his children, Mark (Angelina) Drews of High Point, NC, grandsons David and Canaan and great-grandson, Camden; Kathy (Paul) Casadonte of Raleigh, NC and grandsons Tim, Matt and Joey; and Paul Drews of Selinsgrove, PA.
Fred had a very happy childhood growing up in South Buffalo. He worked his way through college and graduated from the University of Buffalo. From there, he went on to earn his Masters and Doctorate degrees from Indiana University and a Post-Doctoral from the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. He had an enjoyable and very successful academic career. He especially relished his time spent teaching and coaching and was very proud of his championship teams and the number of his students who went on to have very successful careers. He began his career as the YMCA Director in Buffalo. His career continued through the years as Teacher and Coach at Evergreen Park, Illinois; Associate Professor, Tennis Coach and Basketball Coach at Northern State University, SD; Associate Professor and Graduate Studies Professor at the University of Rhode Island; and Professor and Director of Health and PE at NC State University, where he was awarded Professor-Emeritus. Upon retirement from the army in 1989, he was a Consultant and Instructor of Stress Medicine for PA State University Medical School, AMP Corporation and Norwalk Hospital.
Fred also spent much of his adult life proudly serving his country. He served in the Air Force from 1950-51, but was granted a Hardship Discharge, allowing him to return home to care for his mother. In 1967 he volunteered for the US Army and was awarded a direct commission to the Army Reserve. He served for 23 years, both in the reserves and on active duty. He was called to active duty to serve on General Staff, Headquarters, Dept. of the Army at the Pentagon, Office of Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon, and to the US Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA, where he established the US Army Physical Fitness Research Institute in 1982. The courses he taught and tests he developed for cardio-respiratory fitness and stress medicine were nationally recognized. In 1983 he was awarded one of ten Outstanding Fitness Leaders in America by the President’s Council for Physical Fitness. He also received the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and numerous other medals from the US Army.
Fred was an active member of the Protestant Post Chapel at the US Army War College for 22 years and for 15 years at 2nd Presbyterian Church. He was also an active member of the Carlisle Kiwanis Club, the Samaritan Fellowship and a member of the Masonic Order for over 50 years, including one term as President of the National Sojourners of Carlisle.
Fred believed that all the goodness in his life; his loving parents, his childhood, his children, his professional success, and Bunny, “the light of his life”, were a gift from God. He was very grateful for his many blessings. Finally, he was infinitely grateful to be an American.
A service of witness to the resurrection will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 2nd Presbyterian Church, 528 Garland Dr. Carlisle, PA 17013 with Rev. Dr. Jeff Gibelius officiating. Military honors will be provided by Cumberland County Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan Fellowship, 45 S. West St. Carlisle, PA 17013 or 2nd Presbyterian Church.
To sign the guestbook, please visit www.hoffmanfh.com.