James Drew Cassidy

James Drew Cassidy, son of the late James Steven and Sue Jane (Bankson) Cassidy, was born June 13, 1966 in Anderson, Indiana. He grew up in Pendleton, Indiana and graduated from Pendleton Heights High School. At the age of 19, Drew joined the United States Army and served his country faithfully for 20 years. He retired as a Military Police and had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. For his faithful service, Drew earned many awards and commendations; some of which include: Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal , Armed Forces Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), NATO Medal, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge for Wheeled Vehicles. Drew served as a volunteer firefighter for 28 years; serving since 1984. He also served as EMS and law enforcement. He was active in his community and enjoyed helping people. He was also a part of the Missouri Task Force One. On August 4, 2004, Drew was united in marriage to Carol Ann Kelley. They shared over eight years together and shared many wonderful memories. In his spare time, Drew enjoyed swimming, mixed martial arts and mechanics. He was a member of the Military Police Regimental Association. He was also an active member of Christ’s Mission Church. He was baptized into Christ on February 2, 2006. Drew went home to be with his Lord Friday, January 3, 2014 in the Mercy Hospital of Lebanon, Missouri having attained the age of 47 years, 6 months and 21 days. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Drew leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife: Carol Cassidy of Waynesville MO; four Children: James Drew Cassidy II and Krystal Jo Lechowicz of Waterloo, WI, Samantha Denison (Chad) of Salt Lake City, Utah and Linda Miller (Jeremy) of Gulfport, MS; one sister: Brandy Sutherland (Mark); close family friend: Cody Turner; three grandchildren and other relatives and friends. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2014 in the Christ’s Mission Church of St. Robert, Missouri with Jeff Brown officiating. The congregation was led by the Christ’s Mission Praise Team in singing “Here I Am to Worship”, “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord” and “I Am Free”. Serving as escorts were James Drew Cassidy II, Charles Callahan, Jeremy Miller, Sawyer Brown, Michael McCart and Jeremy Moore. Serving as honorary escorts were Dan Barnes, Shay Mason, Doug Yureko, Tobias Barnes, Scott Williamson, Herb Callahan and Jim Haggerty. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Drew Cassidy to the Free Women’s Center of Waynesville and may be left at the funeral home.

James Drew Cassidy

June 13, 1966 - January 3, 2014