By Dewey Terrill

JC Post

Frank Drew was the honorary coach and Junction City Blue Jay fan that for years led the football team onto the field at the start of games, traveled with the team and attended most of the practices. He was also a long time, well known member of the Eagles in Junction City.

Saturday the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 830 home in Junction City served as the location of a Celebration of Life Service for Frank.

Blue Jay football coach Randall Zimmerman told the story of how Frank first entered the football program as an honorary coach in 1994, how he gave inspirational speeches to the players over the years, and about the strong relationship he had with the kids in the program.

Zimmerman stated, “Frank made a difference in the kids lives.”

Occasionally Drew would travel with the coach’s family to games, and once told the coach while they were enroute to a funeral that he did not want any crying at his funeral but wanted those in attendance listening to Elvis Presley music.

The service included stories and an essay written by a former player about how Frank had supported him in coping with a season and career ending football loss, singing performances that included the Elvis Presley song “Love Me Tender” and “Welcome to My World,” and information about how Frank played the harmonica, enjoyed singing, and tributes from members of his family.

It was noted that Drew was born with cerebral palsy and that affected his speech. eyesight and legs, but he was remembered as a caring, kind person who was well known and liked in the community, and as a patriotic person.

A funeral for Enoch Franklin “Frank” Drew, 72,  has been scheduled at the Episcopal Church of the Covenant in Junction City at 10 a.m. on March 8th.