Richard L Drexel

Richard (Dick) Louis Drexel was born June 2, 1927, in Molina, Colorado on the family ranch to Walter Drexel and Lula (Peugh) Drexel. Dick passed on to his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ on June 15, 2025, just 13 days after his 98th birthday. He peacefully died of complications from surgery to repair a broken femur.

Dick grew up on the family ranch near Molina, Colorado and learned how to work hard. He graduated from Collbran Union High School in 1945. He immediately joined the Navy and went by train to San Deigo for boot camp. Since the WWII was winding down, he remained in San Diego where he served as a Yeoman. As was true of many men and women at the end of war, he received an honorable discharge after serving a short time in the Navy.

He used the GI Bill to go to Mesa College where he earned an associate’s degree. After college, he came back to work on the family farm. He also became a Deputy Water Commissioner in the summer.

During this time, he and Arlys Hoke fell in love, ultimately leading to their marriage in 1947. Robert (Bob) was born in 1949 and Nancy (Kauffman) was born in 1951.

In 1969, Dick was assigned as full time Water Commissioner on Clear Creek near Arvada, Colorado. In 1972, he was reassigned to be Water Commission in Cedaredge where he served until 1991. Upon retirement, he and Arlys enjoyed time with friends, traveling, gardening and serving in the First Baptist Church of Cedaredge.

Arlys, the love of his life passed away in 2019 after 72 years of marriage and Nancy passed away in 2020. Dick moved to Crossroads in 2021, where he made many friends among the staff and residents. He also developed a proclivity for Starvin’ Arvin’s where he ate many times with family and friends. He always ordered the same thing which became known as “Same Oh, Same Oh.” Thanks to his family, church family, the staff of both Crossroads and Starvin’ Arvin’s for making his last few years happy ones.

Dick is survived by his son Bob Drexel (Cindy). He has three grandchildren, Todd Drexel (Myndy), Zach Kauffman (Rachel) and Leah Bisceglia (Joe) and eleven great-grandchildren. He leaves behind many close and admiring friends.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to contribute a memorial in Dick’s name, please give to the Cedaredge First Baptist Church. Dick’s Memorial Service will be held on June 28, 2025, at the Cedaredge First Baptist Church in Cedaredge, CO at 10:00 AM.