Submitted on September 10, 2020
A businessman and longtime supporter of Catholic causes, Charles L. Drury, Sr. died Sept. 7 at the age of 92.
Mr. Drury and his wife, Shirley were presented the Order of Saint Louis King award from the Archdiocese of St. Louis on July 27. The award honored their involvement in the Church and the support of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, Catholic education, the Rural Parish Clinic, the Annual Catholic Appeal, Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation and many other archdiocesan initiatives. They were honored last year by Marygrove, a Catholic Charities agency, for their commitment to youth in need. In 2013, Mr. Drury, his wife and Don Musick led fundraising for and extensive renovation of the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France (Old Cathedral).
Drury’s father, Lambert Drury, started the family plastering business with his sons after the family farm was nearly lost in the Depression. It led Drury Development Corporation founder Charles Drury and his brothers into the hospitality industry. In 1973, they built the first Drury Inn in Sikeston, Missouri.
A private family visitation and funeral Mass were to be held at the Old Cathedral with burial at St. Augustine Church Cemetery in Kelso, Missouri. Survivors include his wife, Shirley; seven children, Chuck Drury, Jeannie Tanner, Joan Drury, Tim Drury, Janice Ruopp, Jennifer Drury and Jackie Pollvogt; 20 grandchildren; and a brother, Jerry Drury, and sister, Vicki Hahn.
