William Sidney Druen (Sid) of Columbus, Ohio died of breast cancer on December 16, 2023 at the age of 81. Sid was born in Farmville, Virginia on May 5, 1942. He is preceded in death by his father, William Gills Druen, mother, Minnie Katherine Kesler Druen, and sister, Nancy Paige Daniels. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Hampden-Sydney College in 1964. During his undergraduate years, he was a member of Sigma Chi, the co-captain of the football team, and winner of the Gammon Cup. Sid then graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Laws in 1968.
After working briefly in the Virginia Governor’s Office, he married his wife, Janet Ward Druen, on December 21, 1969, and moved to Columbus, Ohio in January 1970. Beginning that same month and year, Sid worked for nearly 30 years as an attorney with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. He ended his time at Nationwide as senior vice president and general counsel.
Sid also served the Columbus area and beyond as a member of the Council for Ethics and Economics and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. He contributed to and was a member of the German Village Society, Friends of Schiller Park, and Village Connections. He was director of the Public Affairs Council of Washington, D.C., trustee of the Ohio Historical Society Development Committee, president of the University Club of Columbus, president of the German Village Foundation, board member and president of Program 60 at The Ohio State University, board member of the Franklin County Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services Board, board member of the Ohio Insurance Institute, board member of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, and chair of the membership committee in 2023 of the Kit Kat Club.
Sid enjoyed a love for history, genealogy, and travel. He used his retirement to travel to over 80 countries. He had a studied eye for art and antiques as well as a keen sense for any negotiation. Sid’s constant presence will be missed at art and antique auctions and the South High Drive-In flea market.
William Sidney Druen possessed an unwavering commitment to family, a generous dedication to community, and made meaningful contributions to his profession. He will be remembered as a proponent of reason and the opportunities that education affords.
Sid is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet Ward Druen, daughter, Courtney Paige Druen of Columbus, Ohio, son, William Sidney Druen II (Sid), daughter-in-law Tere Grinstead Druen, and grandchildren Carol Elizabeth Druen, William Sidney Druen III, Milligan Paige Druen (Millie) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and his niece Cheryl Paige Heike of Toronto, Canada.
To honor Sid’s wishes, we are holding a private service for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The German Village Society or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER MIDTOWN.
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