Marcus was born on September 7, 1931, in Galveston, Texas. He was the first of two children of Steffan Drewa and Mary Elizabeth Davis. His younger brother Kenneth Drewa, who is retired Navy, resides in South Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Frederica “Freddie” Drewa. He is survived by his two sons, Malvern Lawrence Drewa and Marcus Edwin Drewa (Dianna), 4 grandchildren, Elizabeth Drewa, James Lyons, Danielle Drewa and Marcus Drewa, a great grandchild, Ethan Miller with another grandchild due next month and Betty Jane Langley, his longtime companion.
Marcus and Freddie moved from New Orleans to Kansas City, MO, on to Weslaco, TX and finally to Jacksonville, FL where he resided for over 60 years.
Marcus was a Hospital Administrator and retired from Methodist Medical Center, The Miracle on 8th Street, which he created from the original Brewster Hospital. He was known for his genuine love of people, no matter their position in life. He knew everyone’s name from the janitors on up to his board members and greeted everyone by name as he walked the halls of the hospital.
With many achievements he did not go unnoticed. From establishing the first Hospice Center in Jacksonville, to fighting for private bathrooms and rooms for patients, Marcus knew that patients came first no matter their skin color, religion, or financial state.
Marcus was involved in many charities, most notably the Ronald McDonald House, UF Health, University of North Florida and Children’s Home Society of Florida. He was also a member of Rotary Club of South Jacksonville and was very proud of his 51 years of perfect attendance.
Marcus was well known for handing out $2 dollar bills. He would give them to people everywhere he went just to put a smile on their face.
The viewing will be held on Wednesday December 1, 2021, at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn, 4801 San Jose Blvd., from 5 PM -7 PM. Funeral services will be held on Thursday December 2, 2021, at Southside United Methodist Church, 3120 Hendricks Ave., at 11:00 AM with a reception following in the church’s Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to The Ronald McDonald House.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Drewa family.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.
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Ronald McDonald HouseP.O. Box 6068, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9847
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