Anthony "Tony " Draege's Obituary
Anthony James "Tony" Draege, 63, of rural Vandalia passed away
at his home on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, May 31, 2014
at the First United Methodist Church of Vandalia with Rev. Pete
LeDuc officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00pm,
Friday, May 30 at the First Unitedd Methodist Church in Vandalia
and also 1 hour prior to services Saturday at the church.
Burial will follow the services Saturday. In lieu of flowers
the family asks that memorials be made to the Future Farmers of
America (FFA) or to Crown Point Community Church. The family
of Tony Draege also asks that casual attire be worn for the
services.
Tony was born March 2, 1951 in Mt. Vernon, IL the son of Robert
W. and Helen "Jean" (Hawkins) Draege. He married Kathryn
"Kathy" (Brown) Draege on December 31, 1988 in Vandalia. Tony
was a self employed farmer of Draege Farms, and Stock Car Racer;
and former Vandalia Road Township Commissioner; he served on the
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 520 of Granite
City, was a former board member of the ASC office and member of the
national FFA organization. Tony enjoyed farming and racing at
Fayette County Speedway with his boys, hunting, fishing, riding his
motorcycle and summer vacations in Arkansas.
Tony is survived by his wife Kathy Draege of Vandalia; father
Robert Draege of Mt. Vernon; sons Michael Meyer of Shobonier, Aaron
Draege of Vandalia, Aric "Jake" Draege and fiancée Emily McKnelly
of Farina, and Colton Draege and girlfriend Alyssa Cole of
Vandalia; daughter Emalie Jo Meyer Babb and husband Shannon of
Moweaqua; sisters Brenda and husband Dale Randall and Dessie and
husband Carl "JR" Staley all of Mt. Vernon; nephew Robert Staley of
Mt. Vernon; father and mother in law David W. and Betty Brown of
Vandalia; sisters in law Cindy and husband Randy Woolsey of Patoka
and Beth and husband Larry Redman of Fillmore; and several nieces
and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother Helen "Jean" Draege.
What’s your fondest memory of Anthony?
What’s a lesson you learned from Anthony?
Share a story where Anthony's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Anthony you’ll never forget.
How did Anthony make you smile?

