Zearl Willis Drum was born Jan 15, 1927 in Fluvanna, Texas, the only child of Willis Richard (Bill) and Clara Inez (Sneed) Drum. Zearl grew up in West Texas, primarily the Fluvanna and Snyder areas. During WWII, he enlisted in the Navy, serving as a corpsman in a hospital for wounded sailors and marines in California. Returning to Texas after his discharge, he then moved with his parents to the Faith area and began working as a ranch hand on the Merle Kelly ranch. For several years he owned and operated the local standard station and co-owned the Faith Saddle Shop. He began ranching in 1956. On June 2, 1957 he married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Overland. They enjoyed 52 years together until his wife, Shirley, passed away July 20, 2009.

Zearl loved the ranching life and the ranching community of which he was a part. Zearl & Shirley lived and ranched on Flintrock Creek and raised their family there. He enjoyed spending time with neighbors and friends and loved his family and his grandchildren. He was a member of the Faith Church of Christ. Zearl was also a Masonic Lodge member for over 50 years. Zearl fought a courageous battle with brain cancer until his death on Sept 16, 2011.

Grateful to have shared his life are his 3 children, Darla (Calvin) Chapman, Faith, SD; Janna Streleck,(James Warnemunde) Rapid City, SD; and Gary(Karleen) Drum, Faith, SD; nine grandchildren: Nathan Helms & Hannah Heinzerling, Rapid City, SD Jeff (Sarah) Chapman, Dickinson, ND, Alanna Chapman & Jack Valentine, Aurora, CO, Jenna Streleck and Nicole Streleck, Rapid City, SD, Ashley Drum, Garret Drum, Seth Drum and Megan Drum, Faith, SD and one great-grandson, Landyn Wade Chapman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife Shirley.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 2011 at the Faith Community Center in Faith, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Burial follows at the Faith Cemetery.

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