Nell Smith Drenner

1934-2012

Nell Smith Drenner, 77, of Bandera, left this earthly world to enter the Heavenly House of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, July 23, with family and friends at her side. She was born in Saltillo to Myra E. Penn and William H. Lewis on August 13, 1934.

Nell married George Lawrence Drenner Jr. on Feb. 5, 2005, in Arlington.
At the age of 16, she graduated from Galena Park High School in Galena Park. Two years later, she enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving two years in the Air Force Band. Nell had the privilege of marching in the Inaugural parade of Dwight D. Eisenhower.

A member of the First United Methodist Church of Bandera, Nell was also actively involved in the Republican Women's Association; VFW Auxiliary; Texas Cardinals, Inc.; Past Matrons and Patrons Association of District Five, Order of the Beaucents; and as Mother Advisor of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls where she received the Grand Cross of Colors.

Nell served the Order of the Eastern Star for almost 50 years being honored as a Past Matron of Channelview Chapter No. 954 and Bandera Chapter No. 643. She served six years as Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Texas.

Additionally, for most of her adult life, Nell was employed as a bookkeeper.

She is survived by her spouse, George Lawrence Drenner, Jr.: daughter Brenda Anna Miller and her husband, Mark, of Lakehills; sons, Gary Wayne Smith of Lakehills; Wayne Eugene Smith and his wife, Brandy, of Porter; Larry Dean Smith of San Antonio; William Ray Smith and his wife, Patricia, of Buda; Dale Edmond Smith and his wife, Linda, of Crosby; and stepson, George Blair Drenner and his wife, Julie, of Austin and brothers, Billy D. Lewis and his wife, Ina, of San Antonio, and James E. Lewis of Lakehills, as well as by numerous relatives and friends.

Nell was also blessed with 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren:
She was predeceased by her parents, son Joe Michael Smith and one grandson.

Funeral services were held at Grimes Funeral Chapel of Bandera, on Wednesday, August 1, with Dr. Rev. Ken Dahlberg officiating. The service included an Eastern Star Funeral.

Graveside services at the Bandera Cemetery were conducted by Military Veterans of Kerrville with bagpipe music provided by John Hutcherson.

The First United Methodist Church and Bandera Chapter No. 643, OES provided a meal following the services.

Pallbearers were Clayton Smith, Andy Smith, Aaron Smith, Dillion Putman and Johnny Boyle. Honorary pallbearers were Billy D. Lewis, Jimmy Lewis, Gary Smith, Wayne Smith, Larry Smith, Ray Smith, Dale Smith and Mark Miller.

Memorials may be sent to the Nell Drenner Scholarship Fund (NDSF), Bandera Chapter No. 643, PO Box 567, Lakehills 78063. Condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the "Send Condolences" link at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com.