Obituary - Donald Drew

Sunday, December 10, 2006
THE JUNEAU EMPIRE

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Dec. 12 at Glacier Valley Baptist Church for Juneau meteorologist and radio personality Donald Everett Drew, who died Nov. 1. He was 56.

A potluck will follow starting at 3 p.m. at Centennial Hall. Potluck foods may only include muffins, cookies or pizza.
Drew began his career as a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Auburn, Ala. In 1976 he moved to Juneau.

While continuing to work as a forecaster for the National Weather Service, he pursued his goal of owning a radio show where he could play the country-western music that he loved so well.

His radio show "Mule Train" debuted on KTOO Radio in 1981. The show consisted of traditional country-western and bluegrass music from the 1950s and earlier.

Last March, he was honored for his 1,200th episode. He was known for his extensive collection of western wear and his detailed knowledge of traditional country and bluegrass music and artists.

He played at the Alaska Folk Festival and as part of a six-piece band called The Wild Pioneers. His band played for the senior citizens at Wildflower Court and the Juneau Pioneers Home each month.

He also enjoyed square dancing. He called and danced with the Juneau Big Dippers for more than 20 years. He was also an active member of the Glacier Valley Baptist Church and avid Yankee fan.

He is survived by his mother, Alma Drew; his brother, Kevin Drew; and his sister, Sherry Drew.

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