Joseph 'Joe' A. Drotos

GEORGETOWN - Joseph Joe Drotos, Jr., 95, of Georgetown, died at 6:45pm, March 6th, 2007, at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village of Chrisman. He was born on December 22nd, 1911, in Georgetown, the son of Joseph Drotos Sr. and Anna (Toth) Drotos, who both came to the United States from Austria-Hungary. They preceded him in death as did: his sisters, Marie Drotos (infant), Helen Wasko, & Rosemary Drotos; and his brothers, Andrew Drotos & William Drotos. He married Thelma M. Cook on May 26th, 1934, in the parsonage of Reverend Minnie Sanders, Georgetown. The celebrated their 50th Wedding anniversary in May of 1984 and were married for 64 years at the time of Thelmas death on October 31st, 1998. Those who will miss him include: his daughter, Judith Judy (Clifford) Sawyer; his grandchildren, Lori (Brian) Starwalt & Eric (Debbie Lanham) Sawyer; his two great grandchildren, Tyler Joseph Starwalt & Alyssa Lee Sawyer, all of Georgetown; a special sister-in-law and brother-in-law; as well as several nieces and nephews. Before going to Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, he was blessed to have in his home very wonderful caregivers: Cherry, Lucille, Mary, & Melody. At the age of 17 , Joseph began work at Peabody and Bunsenville mines, working there for 16 plus years, until their closing. He then worked at General Motors Tilton Foundry until he retired in 1975. He was an avid sportsman and was a member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, & mushroom hunting. Joseph and several Georgetown area residents were instrumental in organizing the Georgetown Sportsman Club, located west of Georgetown, by clearing the campgrounds and building the Clubhouse. Joe also enjoyed gardening and took great pride in his garden, having enough vegetables to supply the neighborhood. His greatest love, however, was his family. A celebration of Josephs life will be held at 2:00pm, Friday, March 9th, 2007, at Sunsets Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, 200 E West St, Georgetown. Reverend James Blue will officiate his service. Visitation will be held from 1-2pm prior to the service at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Georgetown Cemetery. Memorial donations made in Joes name may be given to Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, 400 W Washington St, Chrisman, IL, 61924, or to Carle Hospice, 206A W Anthony Dr, Champaign, IL, 61801.