Lawrence Edward Drain Sr., proud and patriotic American
Lawrence Edward Drain Sr., 80, of Lewes, lost his yearlong battle with leukemia Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022. He fought this vile disease with determination and tenacity like the warrior he was.
Larry was born April 19, 1941, to Harry J. and Anna L. Drain in East Lansdowne, Pa. Despite being the sixth of seven children, he was truly one of a kind. He was a member of the St. Cyril’s Church community for many years and graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School. More athletic than academic, Larry went on to play local semiprofessional football for three seasons.
In the summer of 1962, on the beach in Wildwood, N.J., Larry was introduced to Eleanor Snyder. His good looks and charming personality lured her away from her boyfriend at the time. She became the love of his life, and they spent the next 59 years together raising a family, raising the bar, and occasionally raising some hell.
Never afraid of hard work, Larry provided well for his wife and four children. He had a varied career, but spent most of his working years at Weeds, Inc., an industrial weed-control company, not what you were thinking! He was a reliable and valued senior-level employee.
His creativity and artistic flair were reflected in everything he did, most especially his extensive holiday displays. Larry was a connoisseur of music and movies, readily identifying actors and musicians, and easily quoting lines and lyrics. A proud and patriotic American, he had the utmost respect for military servicemen and veterans.
After retiring from his position at Lower Merion School District, the empty nesters relocated to Lewes, where Larry embraced his Native American heritage and became an active member of the Nanticoke Indian Association.
Larry was a man of faith, but not religion; stubborn, yet easygoing; brutally honest, but respectful; strong, yet flexible; frugal, but generous. He had an infectious smile that he shared readily. Often heard to say, a smile means I like you, he really meant it. Anyone who knew Larry would say he was the life of every party. His witty sense of humor always filled the room with laughter.
Lawrence was welcomed into paradise by his parents, Harry J. and Anna L. Drain; his brothers, Harry Jr. and Charles Drain; and his sister, Dolores Flannery. Memories of his love of life will be carried on by his wife, Eleanor Drain; and his children, Michelle (Steven) Kritz, Lawrence Drain Jr., Stephanie Drain, and Allyson Baumann. Larry’s 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren will miss their “Poppy” immensely. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Bodenstine and Joanne (Terry) Oncay; his brother, David (Pat) Drain; his sisters-in-law, Nancy and Judy Drain; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
At Larry’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. A star will be named in his honor. Memorial contributions as an expression of sympathy can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or Smile Train.
Final care for Larry has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Visit Larry's Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
