Michael Wayne Drey
Michael Wayne Drey, 78, of Ottumwa, died at 9:48 a.m. July 8, 2026 at his home.
He was born March 6, 1948 in Colorado Springs, CO to Lyle Wayne and Ladora Grace Sikes Drey. He married Lyla Rose Lemonds Feb. 11, 1983 in Las Vegas.
Growing up in Colorado, Mike graduated from high school in 1966 while living in Nebraska. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in journalism working for newspapers in Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas City. He took a job as the manager of the advertising department for the Ottumwa Courier where he met his future wife, Lyla Rose. Moving to Arizona in September, 1981, he worked as a publisher for various newspapers before becoming the publisher for the newspaper in Gladwin, MI where they lived for 28 years. Retiring in 2013, they moved back to Ottumwa in 2016.
Mike was a member of Davis Street Christian Church. He enjoyed playing and watching golf and fishing, as well as driving his Corvette.
Surviving is his wife, Lyla Rose; their children: Brian (Tami) Frederick of South Carolina and Julie (Scott) Johnson of Moravia; six grandchildren: Alex, Jace and Camden Frederick, Logan Johnson, Dylan Rose (Cason) Butz and Charlie Belle Johnson; and greatgranddaughter, Avree; a sister-in-law, Linda Harrington; and brother-in-law, Jimmy Lemonds.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Barbara and Cheryl; brother, Lynn; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Orman and Fern Lemonds.
Visitation was held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 13, at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday. Cremation followed the visitation.
Memorial services were held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 14, at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Wakelin. Inurnment was in Shaul Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the family.