Elmer Harold Drew

Elmer, the son of Harold and Gussie Drew, was born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 12, 1931. Initiative, an entrepreneurial spirit, and endless engineering ideas and inventions inspired his business success starting at age nine when he began his work life as an after-school paperboy. At age 11, under the watchful eye of his neighbor, a master electrician, he wired Detroit warehouses in his spare time. In short order he proved his expertise, passing the journeymen’s electrician test with only one incorrect answer. Reluctant to give any more 16-year-olds a journeyman’s license, the city of Detroit added “age” requirements after Elmer’s certification.

Although his intelligence was evident, traditional classroom routines bored him and manipulating learning opportunities became the norm. With the help of an elementary teacher, he created his own dark room for developing photographs. This eventually led to a lifetime of photography skills that he used to make wedding albums, portraits, travel logs, silly posters, and eventually, family movies and videos that are still cherished by many. In spite of his shenanigans, Elmer graduated from Denby High School in Detroit in 1949.

For Elmer, the church grounded his talents and relationships. Growing up in a church family of saints at the Church of God Tabernacle, he developed his biblical knowledge, musical aptitudes, and found security with a loving, extended community. In the midst of this crowd, he found Janet Duborg, who became his wife of almost 71 years. He and Janet continued to build their faith, share their music, and grow their family at Saint Clair Shores Assembly of God Church. Serving as a deacon, choir director, organist, pianist, soloist, and Sunday School teacher gave him great purpose and fulfillment. Even in the middle of the night, he would rush to fix a broken boiler or troubleshoot an electrical problem at the church without complaint. It was heartbreaking for him, at ninety-three, to give up his last post as Sunday School teacher for the Harvesters’ class at Cornerstone Baptist Church.

As the church developed his sensitivities toward biblical principles and using his God-given talents, Elmer flourished in every career opportunity God set in his path. His first official job was as an electrician at Kennedy Electric. At 21, he started as a machine maintenance worker at Peninsular Chemical Company where his work ethic eventually secured him a position in running the entire plating factory. His next boss, Clyde Ryan, offered him many opportunities to hone his managerial skills at Springfield Machine and Stamping. He started as the maintenance supervisor and learned the tooling business through and through and eventually became the CEO of the company. After his first retirement at age 55, the CEO of RCO Engineering, Paul Carollo, invited Elmer to consult and mentor his new business. He spent the next 30-plus years assisting with routines and systems, acquiring buildings and machinery, and brainstorming growth and diversification for his friend’s company. Elmer felt God’s hand in every career placement. He credited his success and fulfillment to following God’s plan.

In his leisure time, Elmer enjoyed family and travel. Along with his wife, Janet, his four children, Ken, Roger, Dale, and Karen, appreciated the annual, carefully-planned, summer road trips growing up. From sea to shining sea through winding mountain roads, the Drews found their way to national monuments and parks with side trips to interesting factories and construction sites. As one by one the children left home, Elmer and Janet set off on adventures of their own, cruising the seas from Alaska to Patagonia or daytripping to the Bluewater Bridge to find their favorite french fries. When grandchildren joined the ranks, Papa’s trip planning took on a new purpose. Cider mills, state parks, Canadian bird sanctuaries, petting zoos, and boat rides in Kensington Park inspired exploration in the next generation.

When he wasn’t working or planning trips, the basement shop of 20069 Ghesquiere Court served as his playground and laboratory. In the evenings and on weekend free time, you could find Elmer turning a lathe, firing a welding torch, drafting a design, fixing an appliance, or crafting luxuries such as the infamous clock, wooden bowls, candlesticks, rocking horses, children’s furniture, and toyboxes. The shop that he procured for many years gave him great joy, and he was proud of his detailed hardware stash and his vast array of acquired machines and tools. Family, neighbors, and friends benefited from this treasure trove as well. He was always willing to lend a tool, think through a project, or build a Pinewood Derby car if needed. Just remember to put the tool back in its proper place.

Elmer is survived by his four loving children, Ken (Melba), Roger (Carolina), Dale (Sharon), Karen (Rob Juhala); eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; his brother-in-law, Alvin David; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Sharon Duborg; his four nieces and six nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Janet, parents, Gussie Drew and Harold Drew; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Margaret Duborg; his sister, Shirley David; brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Marion Drew; his grandson, Michael Drew; and his nephew, Jeffrey Duborg.

Service Details:

Visitation Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at AH Peters Funeral Home 32000 Schoenherr Warren, MI 48088 and Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 17017 East 12 Mile Roseville, MI 48066.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday September 24, 2026, at 11am at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 17017 East 12 Mile Road, Roseville, MI 48066.

Luncheon will follow immediately after the service at Cornerstone Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

Life Challenge Ministries in Detroit.

https://lcministries.org/

Youth Haven Ranch in Rives Junction, MI.

https://www.youthhaven.org/donate

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