Tom Drewes

Tom “Duke” Drewes died Friday, February 10, 2012 in Hot Springs. He was born on June 23, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Dunaway of Hot Springs and his son, Derek Drewes and daughter Lauren Drewes Daniels and five grandchildren all of Texas, and his step son & daughter-in-law, David & Lindsey Fowlkes and grand daughter Madisson Fowlkes of North Little Rock. His mother, Margaret Drewes and two sisters, Linda Drewes and Judy Ore of New Jersey and sister, Sande Edman of Sacramento, California, also survive him. Tom was a graduate of Kimball High School in Dallas, TX and attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR on a football scholarship, graduating in 1968 with a BSE in Biology and Physical Education. He coached football and track for several years in Houston, TX before moving into finance as a Vice President at City National Bank in the Municipal Bond Department. From there he went on to work for Donaldson, Luftkin Jenrette and then to Smith-Barney as a Vice President specializing in Municipal Bonds. In 1990 He started his own Public Relations Firm where he worked with prominent Houston physicians helping them expand their various practices dealing with local and national radio, TV and print media. He worked with Dr. DeBakey, toxicologist Peter Proctor and many others who have since retired. In 1995 Tom returned to Hot Springs and started and maintained the Sentinel Record’s Doctors and Sense Column until 2000 coordinating questions from readers with answers from local physicians. From 2004-06 Tom returned to teaching both at Bismarck and Lake Hamilton School Districts, working with the alternative education programs. He always loved working with kids and helping them succeed. In 2007 he retired to spend time with his wife, Nancy traveling and enjoying life on the lake with their four rescue dogs. Tom loved working out at the Y, feeding the birds, playing with his granddaughter, and rescuing dogs. He loved the races, was an excellent handicapper and, in fact got his trainers license from the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY and then decided he would rather be a broker, purchasing and claiming horses for Temple Weber of Texas and a few for himself as well. The family would like to thank Dr. Greg Whorton and Linda, and Dr. Greg St. John and Randy, for taking good care of him. Tom’s big heart, generous spirit and contagious smile will be missed by his family and friends. A private family ceremony will celebrate his life and spirit. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Nancy Dunaway and Tom Drewes Art Excellence Scholarship Fund at the Henderson State University Foundation, HSU PO Box 7550, Arkadelphia, AR 71999-0001.