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Emmet Walter Draney, Jr.

1949-2021

Emmet Walter Draney, Jr., 72 of Waynesburg passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. He was the husband of Diana R. (Hurd) Draney whom he married on July 1, 1977. Emmet was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois on March 4, 1949 to the late Emmet and Lucile (Portrey) Draney.

A man of countless talents, Emmet’s abilities seemed to have no bounds. From a very young age, he just seemed to have a knack for fixing, building, creating and problem solving.

As he grew up, his skills expanded as he met new challenges with a desire to learn and grow. Later as a proud Marine, he served the country he loves, to protect the ideals he believes in.

He loved to ride and work on his Harleys, fish, and hunt. He was an accomplished electrician, metal worker, carpenter, HVAC expert and instructor, and a wizard of industrial manufacturing methods and technologies and all things mechanical.

Legitimately a renaissance man, he also loved to read, learn and discuss many topics, from math, science, and history, to farming and religion.

As a husband and father, he worked diligently to provide for his family, to ensure a good life for his wife and their kids. As a grandfather of 9, he has imparted priceless wisdom, experiences, and memories, ensuring his legacy will continue forward in their hearts, and indeed in all our hearts.

Since moving to their Kentucky dream farm upon retirement, Emmet and Diane have made close friends and deep connections to their community, which they both cherish and relish. Anyone who knows them knows that both are extremely kind hearted, and willing to go lengths to teach, help and build fellowship with those around them.

It’s hard to capture Emmet’s essence in a few scant words on a page. If you knew him, you know how great of a man he was, and how hard it is to distill that greatness down. If you didn’t know him, rest assured he’d likely have struck up a conversation with you, and extended himself to you as a friend.

Emmet is a wonderful man, who will be sorely missed. We love you Emmet.

Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Diana R. Draney of Waynesburg; Son, Martin A. Fassbinder III & his wife, Adrienne of Geneva, IL; Daughter, Kimberly & Husband, David H. Schepis of Wolverine Lake, MI; Daughter, Sarah Draney of Carpentersville, IL; Sister, Jean Draney of Falls City, NB; and his 9 precious grandchildren: Branden, Rachel, Emma, Lily, Ally, Elliot, Arianna, Sawyer & Henry.

Cremation rites have been honored and a memorial service will be conducted at a later date.