John Thomas Drew Jr.

October 31, 1935 – May 9, 2023

John Thomas Drew, Jr. age 87 of Las Vegas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 9 and went back to live with his Heavenly Father. Johnny was born on October 31, 1935 in Medford, OR. to the late John and Irene (Miller) Drew.

John joined the National Guard during high school and met the love of his life (Rita Pauline Bliss) while working at a pear packing factory. They married December 21, 1956 and moved to the Las Vegas area in 1961 for work. He worked at the Test Site for 10 years and then at Charlie Brown Construction for 9 years before starting his own business, Drew Asphalt Paving. John and his wife ran the company for 16 years before retiring.

He enjoyed traveling in their fifth wheel throughout the country and seeing NASCAR races, going to Hawaii and on cruises. But most of all, John enjoyed beating you at any and all card games! He was very competitive and always tried to win. He was a Little League Coach and a Boy Scout Leader. He was an avid golfer and even has his name on a plaque at Durango Hills Golf Course for a hole-in-one. John enjoyed deer hunting with his family, especially if it included four-wheeling. In his later years, he looked forward to spending time at their cabin in Parowan, UT; feeding and naming the wild turkeys and deer. Born on Halloween, he was one of the biggest jokesters around! He would often greet (scare) his 12 grandchildren at the door wearing a werewolf mask. John loved his family dearly, and it showed in the many sacrifices he made for them.

In addition to his beloved wife (Polly) of over 66 years, John Drew is sadly missed by his three sons, Richard (Christine) Drew of Las Vegas; Daniel (Janet) Drew of St. George, UT; and Monte (Cynthia) Drew of Las Vegas. He is also survived by his brother, Victor (Elizabeth) Drew of OR; his sister, Neomi (Kay) Bateman of OR; and his brother-in-law, Jasper (Glenda) Bliss of Las Vegas. He leaves behind his 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20 at 11 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 5750 N. Cimarron Rd. Las Vegas, NV. A luncheon will follow the service. A family only graveside service will take place at 9 am on Saturday, May 20 at Palm Mortuary at 7600 S. Eastern in Las Vegas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at JDRF.org Please visit dignitymemorial.com for online condolences.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmdowntownmortuary.com for the Drew family.