Dr. John Drayer

Dr. John Drayer was born on December 6, 1932, and passed from this life on January 28, 2025 at the Beehive Assisted Living Home in Bosque Farms, NM. Born and raised on a farm near Doland, South Dakota, John attended a one-room school house until it's closure, after which he attended school in Doland. Upon graduation from high school he made the decision to attend South Dakota State College. There he joined the ROTC program and was assigned to the Army branch of the military.

John met his wife of 65 years, Judine, while in college and they were married before John was sent to Germany, as a tank commander, for 18 months. As he was an officer, Judine was allowed to join John there, and they were able to see parts of 8 countries in that time!

John eventually attained both a Master's and Doctorate in Education, and was an educator in South Dakota for a total of 24 years, with the last 14 being at Northern State College in Aberdeen.

During the early years of their marriage John and Judine welcomed a daughter, Cindy, and son, Jay, whom they chose to raise near extended family in eastern SD.

Upon retiring from teaching John and Judine moved to Albuquerque, where they had a successful real estate business for 21 years.

A life-long Methodist, John was a member of St. Stephen's UMC in ABQ for 35 years before joining Peralta Methodist when he moved to Bosque Farms to live with his daughter for awhile, before moving one last time to "The Beehive".

John is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Joe) Henfling and son, Jay (Jeanette) Drayer; brother, Wayne (Carol) Drayer; 6 grandchildren: Jory, Emily, Jon, Carol, Allison, and Katie, 8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was proceeded in death by his parents, Milford and Mamie Drayer; a sister, Elaine (Herron) Smith; and two brothers, "Bud" (Verlyn) Drayer and Fred (Norma) Drayer.

John's wish was to be buried with his wife in his hometown cemetery in Doland. Interment will take place on February 22, 2025 after a funeral service in Clark, South Dakota. A visitation will be held in Albuquerque on February 10, 2025 at French Funerals and Cremations on 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 from 5-7 pm.