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Lon Lee Draney
12/14/1949 — 08/18/2022
From Pasco, WA
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Lon Lee Draney
Lon Lee Draney was born December 14, 1949 to Leonard Lee and Ruby June Draney. He passed away August 18, 2022. Lon is survived by Elaine Draney, his wife of 46 years; his five children (and spouses), Tami (and Joe) Cutler, Chris (and Lisa) Draney, Michael (and Anita) Draney, Angie Draney, and Britney (and Landon) Rowley. He is the proud “Papa” to sixteen beloved grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother and lifelong best friend, Alan Draney.
Lon was born in Burley, Idaho and grew up in Warden, Washington, where he used to say the only activities were playing music or driving into Moses Lake to pick a fight. He spent his high school days playing basketball and holding impromptu concerts for the tiny teenage population in his backyard. After graduating from Warden High School, Lon attended two years at Big Bend Community College before he was drafted to serve in the United States Army in Vietnam. He worked as an assistant to the Adjutant General in the Headquarters Company, XXIV Corp, Sixth (Charlie) Company, Third Squad, flying in helicopters throughout Vietnam. Lon’s wartime service engendered a deep patriotism that served as a framework for his values throughout his life. After the war, he earned a degree in Accounting from Central Washington University in 1974 and subsequently settled in Pasco to work at Baker and Giles CPAs.
Lon met his sweetheart in Pasco and he proposed after a lengthy four-date courtship. They loved attending church dances during their engagement where Lon validated his reputation as a terrific dancer. They married on June 24, 1976 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
After teaching himself about computer systems, Lon pivoted careers and spent the rest of his working years teaching computer languages like Linux and providing enterprise technical support at the Hanford site. He especially loved teaching and spent many years teaching Accounting and Computer Languages at CBC, and college religion classes for his church.
Lon loved coaching his kids’ basketball teams and never missed a game or concert for any of his five kids if he could help it. He attended scout camps, girls camp, and was well-known by the youth in his community as a friendly, fun, and energetic supporter. He often spent his weekends attending high school sporting activities to support the youth in his church.
Lon was defined by his love of music, and seemed to always be drumming on the nearest available surface or dancing to whatever beat was in the background. He played the drums in six rock-and-roll bands during his lifetime, most recently with Cruise Control, which he founded with his brother and close friends at age 57. His grandkids’ favorite memories of him often include dancing under the light of his glowing drumsticks at his concerts and dance lessons at impromptu family dance parties.
Lon is known for his deep faith and active service to his neighbors and friends. He devoted much of his life to serving his church community. No matter his official service assignment in the congregation, Lon was known to all as a friend. He reached out to each individual and made sure they felt wanted and loved. He might be remembered most for his smile, friendly effusive handshakes, and warm hugs.
Lon’s funeral will be held on Friday, August 26 at 12:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Pasco Stake Center), 2004 North 24th Ave, Pasco, WA. Viewings will be held Thursday, August 25, 5:00-7:00 pm and Friday, August 26, 10:30-11:30 am at the same location.
Link to watch live Service from Church: https://youtu.be/wYkV6YJ0UWw
LAST TIME
One last time I’ll shake your hand
One last time with you I’ll stand
Oh that you could stay awhile
That I might see your grateful smile
One last time we’ll knell and pray
One last time we’ll spend the day
Oh that we could linger in this holy place
That I might behold thy kindly face
One last time we’ll put our shoulder to the wheel
One last time his spirit together we will feel
Oh that you could stay around
That we might strengthen what is bound
One last time we’ll embrace each other
One last time, I love you my brother
Oh that you could remain as mine
That I might not say One Last Time
Dee W. Lloyd
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
I met Lon Draney because I’m a good friend of his daughter, Angie. I only saw him a handful of times, but he was always incredibly warm and friendly and it always felt like he was someone I’d known a long time. He clearly cared so deeply for his family and others, and he was always ready with a joke and a smile. One of my favorite memories of him is visiting their home with a few friends for the weekend with Angie and spending maybe an hour singing Beach Boys songs while he played the drums. He brightened any room he was in.
Brother Draney was always so kind and caring. He was a great example of Christlike love. I remember being in his ward growing up and he always had a smile on his face. Even after moving out of his ward, when I would see him, he would stop and talk just like an old friend.
I’ve been friends with Lon for over 40 years and played music with him for almost 15. He has always been the most positive person I know. I can’t remember ever seeing him get mad – even when we got stiffed at a gig and had to get a lawyer involved. I have watched him through the years and he was so genuine. The way he was at church on Sunday was the same as the way he was at the gig the night before. He loved his family, making music, the gospel, and everyone he ever met. I know that I am a better person because of my friendship with him. We all miss you Lon.
Lon is our neighborhood pal who will be missed! He came over to the house during times of illness to check on me during recouperation from surgery, or just to shoot the breeze. We had a great time talking about anything and everything. We discussed race cars, kids, band activities and other items of interest to both of us. Lon is a very kind man who cared about those around him. Lon was one of the two neighbors who took care of our property while we were in Delaware caring for our Son. I will miss our time together and wish his family to know how much we loved and respected Lon and all he stood for. RIP my friend!
Lon was my cousin and dear friend. He was thoughtful and kind and extended himself generously to others. He made the world a better place.
Lon & Elaine were the first ones to welcome us when we “moved” into 1st Ward back in 1983. Leon served many wonderful years in Bishopric with Lon and has so many warm memories of Lon. Neither of us can remember a time that Lon didn’t have a smile and love to share. It meant a lot that he came by to see us on the day we were moving to Z Montana. Our son Mitch shared how Lon always made him feel special growing up and was one of the kindest men he has ever met. We all agreed the world isn’t the same without Lon in it. He was one in a million. Our prayers go out to Elaine and the Draney family. We love you and grateful to have shared our lives for so many years. Grateful for the knowledge of eternal families and the blessing of our Savior and his atonement. Til we meet again.
To my life long friend. I am going to miss our email chats, and occasional meetings. This caught me totally off guard. I am going to miss you my brother..RIP.
Mark and Myrna Tucker
I have such good memories of Lon! I always loved seeing him and his family at big family gatherings and reunions. His smile and laugh were infectious—it was impossible to not be happy and enjoying yourself when you were with him! He always made you feel as if you were the most important person when in his company. I remember visiting him and his family at their home a couple of times when I was younger, my parents realizing it was time to leave, saying our goodbyes and giving hugs, and then Lon and Elaine walking us to the front door still chatting happily all the way. Then we said goodbye and gave hugs again, and they walked us out to our car chatting and laughing some more, then reluctantly saying goodbye and giving hugs for the third time before leaving on our way. It was always hard to leave our visits with Lon because he was just the kind of person you want to be around! I cherish those fun memories with him!
I hope that moving forward I can bring happiness to others the way that Lon did to so many!
Lon made you feel seen and appreciated. He was one of a kind and kind to the one. No guile was ever felt from him because of his genuine smile.
My favorite memory is this.. I have one black curly hair under my bangs. I use to call it a piece of Lon hair that landed on me. I shared that in a sacrament talk one time (it was relevant) and I remember Lon laughing and smiling in the congregation.
I love your family and will be thinking of you all especially Elaine. All our love!
When we lived close to the Draneys, I loved the many opportunities I had to interact with Lon. He always had a quick smile and I remember him being fun-loving and energetic. When I was older, I enjoyed talking to him and playing sports like frisbee with him. He has always been one of my favorite uncles.
We love you and the whole Draney family!! ❤️ In 2012, we had van problems and the Draneys came to rescue us! We couldn’t have made it without you. Thank you so much! Your family’s friendship to Blair and Diane Gleed will last into the eternities. ❤️ Our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort and peace from your loving Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. We are blessed to know that because of the atonement of Jesus Christ we will see our loved ones again.
Brother Draney served in my YSA branch when I was younger. I always appreciated his friendly smile and his willingness to serve. I’m so grateful for his service.
I would bet money that Lon was the first person to greet me my first Sunday attending my beloved Pasco 1st Ward 30 years ago. He was one of the most genuine, kind-hearted, selfless individuals I have ever had the honor to know. He was the most adorable Santa at ward Christmas parties, all kiddos loved him. I specifically remember my enormous 6’5” 25 year old son Kolby sitting on Lon’s lap. Definitely one of my favorite pictures. I am so very grateful for Lon and the countless hours he spent with the young men in the ward. He has left a lasting impression and an imprint on the heart of everyone who has met him. God Bless Elaine and their precious family during this time.
Lon becomes a good friend quickly and easily. Kindness and positivity seemed to be his main attributes, and he just enjoyed making rock music. He could rip out the surf beats on Wipe Out and Walk Don’t Run as steadily as a metronome. You had to hurry to keep up. I am grateful for his service on behalf of our country. And I am grateful for all of the good he brought wherever he was. I am going to miss Lon.
Lon is cool dude, great guy and amazing drummer. I’m so lucky to have been honored to play a bit of rock and roll with him. I’ll miss you, Lon. Thanks for making my life more fun and meaningful with your genuine personality and musical talent!
Guestbook for
Lon Lee Draney