Earl R. Drumm

Earl R. Drumm, age 73, of Grove, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday May 13, 2020 at his home after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Earl was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Charles E. and Mattie (Stoker) Drumm on April 11, 1947. Earl attended Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City, graduating in 1965. Shortly after graduation he entered the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his country for two tours in Viet Nam, amounting to over 6 years of service, achieving the rank of E5 Sergeant as well as numerous medals and ribbons. Earl’s allegiance to the Corps and to his country was continually evident in his seemingly unending collection of ‘Marine Corps caps’, one of which he wore daily. When his tour of duty ended in 1971, Earl began his 36-year truck driving career, enjoying his travels all over the United States, making many friends and memories along the way. He moved to the Grand Lake area in 2002 from Salina, Oklahoma. Fishing and ‘Spoonbilling’ soon became his greatest passions, as he and his best friend and ‘brother’ Wes Holt spent many hours together doing just that! Due to declining health, this pastime had not been a reality in recent months but was still a subject of many interesting tall tales and fish stories, to be many times repeated and elaborated on, getting better and bigger each time. His love of motorcycling was also evident, riding on many long and short rides with friends, loved ones, and local Posse members. He loved nature and being outside, traveling, cookouts and visiting with his many friends. He was also a master leather craftsman. His 3 dogs were immensely treasured and a special joy of his life. He was always on the lookout for Coca-Cola memorabilia and was delighted with his large collection. Typically quiet and reserved, his dry humor and sarcasm were surprising and contagious and his ‘stories’ of his experiences in life were remarkably fascinating. His common knowledge, his complex abilities to solve problems and his charitable nature were attributes that few possess. Earl was a Christian and of the Southern Baptist faith. He was a member of the Posse and the former local Viet Nam Veterans of America chapter 878. He had countless friends and family who will deeply miss him and his special presence in their lives. He earned the respected title of “Uncle Earl” from many who were endeared to him. All that knew him and were honored to be his family or friend were embraced in love by this fine gentleman and Marine. Earl was preceded in death by his parents. Cherishing his memory: wife, Jennifer Reynolds Drumm and Step Daughters Mikela Cooper, Amber Reynolds (Bob Ehrie) and daughter Brailyn, Aleisha Reynolds and daughter Davina, and Lela Reynolds, all of Grove, Oklahoma; 2 brothers, Charles Drumm Jr. and wife Claire of Woodbridge, Virginia and Richard Drumm and wife Danna of Chouteau, Oklahoma; his long-time best friend, fishing buddy and ‘Brother’ Wes Holt, and his friend and diligent caregiver Marvin Christenson, both of Grove, Oklahoma, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Semper Fi A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2020 at Nichols-Stephens Funeral Chapel under the direction of Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services, 10201 US Hwy 59, Grove, Oklahoma. Earl will be buried in Ft. Gibson National Cemetery with military honors. Online condolences may be made at ‪www.nicholsfuneralandcremation.com‬.

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Earl R. Drumm

April 11, 1947 - May 13, 2020