Michael E. Druley, 66, of Frankfort, Indiana died Thursday, December 2nd at his home following a lengthy illness. Mike was born in Richmond, Indiana on July 16, 1944, the son of the late Bennett and Marie (Thompson) Druley. Mike graduated from Rushville High School in 1962 and subsequently earned a B.A. in English from Milligan College in Tennessee, and later received both an M.A. and Educational Specialist Degree in counseling from Ball State University. Mr. Druley taught secondary English for five years in Crown Point, Lafayette and Franklin before accepting a position in counseling in Frankfort. He was a high school counselor who also served as Director of Student Services at Frankfort High School for 31 years. Following his retirement in 2002, he served as Social Services Director at Wesley Manor. He was a dedicated member of First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He loved Mountain Mission School and spent several weeks serving as a volunteer there. Mike was a member and former president of the Clinton County Chamber, former secretary and president of Kiwanis, and Leadership Clinton County. He was also a member of American Association of College Admission Counselors, and was active in coaching baseball in Little League, Babe Ruth, and at Frankfort High School. Mike served as a volunteer for Guardian Angel Hospice for several years, enjoyed golfing, and was an avid baseball fan
Visitation and Services
Calling with be from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Goodwin Funeral Home, Frankfort, IN on Sunday, December 5th and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be held at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church 352 W. Clinton St., Frankfort, IN on Monday, December 6th at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Tom Jameson officiating. Memorials may be made to: Mountain Mission School, 1760 Edgewater Dr., Grundy, VA 24614 or online at www.mountainmissionschool.org .
Survived by:
Mike married Sharon Anne Martin on August 20, 1967 in Rushville, IN and she survives. He was the proud father of two sons; Jeffery (Heather) of New Berlin, WI and Brian (Rebecca) of Fairfield, OH and a daughter, Kristen of Austin, TX. He is also survived by three granddaughters, Kaitlin and Meghan of WI and Elizabeth of OH as well as a brother Tom (Sherrie Lynn) of Bradenton, Fl.
Mr. Druley was my high school guidance counselor, I graduated in 1979. Mr. Druley wrote a reference letter for me when I was 30 years old so that I could be accepted into the IU School of Nursing. I am the nurse at Witham Cancer Institute, doing what I love. I shared with him many times that his letter helped me get into nursing.
I have seen him here at the Cancer Institute with some of our patients. He always called me by name after all of the years I was out of school. That always impressed me because he saw so many students over the years. He also impressed me so much because at the same time he was visiting with our patients, he was fighting his own battle. He always had a kind word for everyone and a very positive attitude.
He was admired by many and will be sadly missed.
Pam Ostler
peo@geetel.net
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleMr. Druley was also my high school guidance counselor until I graduated from F.S.H.S. in 1998. I remember he always had a smile on his face and made it a point to say “hello” to everyone as he walked through the halls. There was one incident in particular that required he counsel me for something that had happened in a class. I’ll never forget how he let me know that even though I was being punished for what I had done, he agreed with me and understood that I did it as a matter of principle. Mr. Druley was an amazing person and will be missed by many people, especially me.
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleBrian,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. It is tough enough losing those you love, but additionally hard in this time of year. It is difficult, but knowing that your Dad is in a place where God has prepared for his coming and this is a place where there is no pain, no disease, no suffering, may this aid you in your time of grief. My prayers are with your Mom, you and Becky and Elizabeth that in this time you will feel the Love of our Lord wrapping you in His arms and that this will bring comfort to your heart and peace to your mind.
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleI grew up across the street from Mr. Druley and would race bikes to the corner and back with Jeff and Brian. They moved away from our neighborhood, and I didn’t see much of them anymore. Years later, when I was starting a family of my own, my husband and I ran into Mr. and Mrs. Druley at Bob Evans in Lebanon. It was nice to catch up and briefly share the joys and struggles life had brought to both of our families in recent years. They left the restaurant before we did, and when we went to pay our bill – Mr. Druley had already taken care of it. It was a simple act of kindness that will remain with me always and remind me to “pay it forward” as he often did.
Carrie Ransom
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleMy sincere condolences to the Druley family. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in the God of all comfort who has promised to near those who are troubled in heart. All the while looking forward to the day when death will be no more (Revelation 21:4)
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleMr. Druley was my high school guidance counselor, I graduated in 1991. He was an amazing man. I can still remember his words of encouragement for me as I sat in his office crying over my senior math class. He was so sympathetic, caring, and inspiring. I still have the book Apples of Gold that he gave me as a graduation present. I am sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you say goodbye to a truly wonderful man.
Jodi Gleason
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Sharon and Family,
My heartfelt condolences to all of you. May the happy memories of Mike help you deal with your grief.
Pam
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleMy friend Mike enjoy your journey into Heaven–I’m sure you and our Lord will have lots to talk about–You made this world a better place!!
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleMy heart goes out to Sharon & their entire family. I remember Mike while he was growing up at Plum Creek Church as a fine young man, polite & kind & active even then in church. It seems he kept this great spirit all his life and never quit serving his church & his community. I’m so sorry he lost his battle and know he will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleConnie and Jack Scheid along with Nancy and Eric Wainscott send our prayers to Mike’s family. He was my friend and Spiritual hero. We will miss Mike but never will forget the impact he had on so many of us.
In Christ, Jack
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleWarm childhood memories growing up with Mike attending Gings Grade School and Plum Creek Christian Church. Even then you could see what a caring person he was becoming. Wish it hadn’t been so many years without seeing him. It`s obvious from reading the Republican article that he gave so much of his time and himself to others. Mike has left a wonderful legacy for his family & others of what it truly means to be a Christian. Sharon & Family you have our Deepest Sympathy.
Derrith & Sharlene Simmermon
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleTruly, one of the very best of the GOOD GUYS has gone to a better place.-///- there’s a chance that Mike and Ron Santo are standing in the on deck circle together discussing how to time a curve ball -///-
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleMr. Druley was such a kind-hearted, caring, Christian man. I remember how friendly and helpful he was to the students at Frankfort High School. He always had a smile on his face. When I became a teacher in 1986, he wrote a wonderful letter for me and when I made National Boards a few years ago, he sent a long letter telling me how proud he was of my accomplishments. Mr. Druley was truly a dedicated educator and an inspiration to others. I hope I can make as much of a difference in the lives of my students as Mr. Druley made in my life and the lives of the other students at FHS. He was a blessing to many.
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleBrian,
Our hearts go out to you and your family during this time. I am sure the memories will sustain you as you celebrate his life. May you remember God’s blessings as the days go by.
Jana Brown Mullins
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleSharon and family we remember how much we admired Mike for his upbeat attitude and we respected all the things that he accomplished with his life. We will miss seeing him at the class reunions! At this sad time of your lives may you find some comfort in the fact that others are praying for you and your loss. Peace, Two “old” high school friends–Christy and Rick Levi
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleTom & Sherrie you have our deepest sympathy. Losing a brother is hard to do, as we know from losing Des at the age of 50. Mike was a true Christian and well liked by his students. He cared much for others and lived his life giving of his time to them. The last time we saw both of you was when your Dad died. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Derrith & Sharlene Simmermon.
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleSharon and Family, So sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. Please accept our sympathies. Roger and Diane Tomlinson McVay, 10 Roamin Ct., Greenwood, IN 46142.
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleMy thoughts and prayers go out to the Druely family during this difficult time. Mr. Druely was also my guidance counselor at FHS where I graduated in 1998. He helped me get into Indiana State University where I went on to graduate from with an Early Childhood Education degree as well as an Elementary Education degree as well. I can’t thank him enough for helping me get into college and for being a positive role model in so many people’s lives throughout his life. He would always speak to me at school when he saw me and even outside of school after I graduated. I will never forget him walking past my parents house on Maiden Lane after he retired. He would walk by there almost daily for exercise and he would always speak to my parents, my brother, and I when we were outside. He will never be forgotten and will be missed by so many.
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Sharon: I have been thinking about you. I learned that Mike had been quite ill during a recent trip to Rushville. I am so sorry for your loss. Even though it has been many, many years since we have spoken, it doesn’t make the loss of old friends any easier. I know your wonderful memories of a life together will be of comfort to you. Janis Harbaugh.
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleSharon I am one of Mike’s past student’s in school. He was a wonderful man. I loved him dearly, he really helped me out in school. And even later in life he never forgot who I was. How he could remember everyone was a miracle. He was very special. May God guide you through this time of sorrow. God Bless You and all Of His Family. Patti (Crider) Henline
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleA very good man. Praying for the family.
Share
Facebook Twitter GoogleMy thoughts go out to the Druley family. He was also my high school guidance counselor and was one of the kindest men I’ve ever met and believed in me during a time that I didn’t even believe in myself! He will be greatly missed!
Share
Facebook Twitter Google