Kerwin Leonard Dreher

You are my anchor; you are my safe harbor.

Into your hands I commend my soul. Amen

Dear ones, grieve not for me for I am home, I am safe. (per PawPaw)

Kerwin was born on March 18th, 1943, to Hilda Easley Dreher. He died at 4pm on August 1st. He was raised by his maternal grandparents – Earnest L. Dreher and Olive Webb Dreher in Baton Rouge, LA.

He was married to the most loving and gracious lady – Gladys Marie Higgins Dreher. Gladys and Kerwin had two sons, Frank E. Dreher and Kerry Dreher, who he is survived by as well as daughter-in-law, Janice Lorino Dreher; grandsons, Logan Reed Dreher, Dickie Taylor Dreher, Eryc Kristopher Lorino, Victor Giovanni Lorino; and dear close friend Kristie Kimball (KK). Preceded in death by his mother, maternal grandparents, and wife.

Kerwin served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1971 aboard submarines and patrol boats in Vietnam. He was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve from 1977 to 1998 and retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He proudly served his state as well as a Louisiana State Police trooper from 1971 to 1989 reaching the rank of Lieutenant.

PawPaw, as he was affectionately called by those who knew and loved him was passionate about all things outdoors and remained an avid fisherman, shrimper, crabber and hunter throughout his life. He took great pride in teaching his grandsons and scores of other young people to love and respect Louisiana’s vast natural resources. His grandsons all learned to shoot, hunt, fish and to appreciate the beauty of nature. He was a great storyteller, always filling the room with his deep knowledge of history and his quick wit. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and will always have a special place in our hearts.

Kerwin was not pretentious nor arrogant and he made lifelong friends of those who spent time with him in his work, his service to our country and especially those who sat and talked with him on his countless trips to Grand Isle and to the woods. He lived a long life filled with a love of family, friends and the Lord.

Funeral arrangements will be held at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison, Arkansas on August 7th. He will be laid to rest at Sandhill Cemetery in Yardelle, Arkansas next to his mother Hilda according to his final wishes.