Dreu J. Staker

Dreu J. Staker, 63, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord on November 12, 2022. Dreu Staker was raised in New Castle, Delaware. He graduated from De La Warr High School and retired from Chrysler Corporation after 25 years of service. He was a member of the UAW Local 1183. After retirement he was employed as the over-night Security Officer for the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. Dreu will always be remembered as a devoted son, caring father and doting “PopPop”. He was a selfless brother, and a dependable friend. He was a kind neighbor to everyone, one you would hope to have. Dreu was a man of faith. On May 6, 2018, after 18 months of commitment, Dreu achieved the challenging feat of reading the Bible from beginning to end. He wrote, “Now I can put a notch in my bucket list… I have a better understanding of men and mankind. Now it is time to study. This may seem like a small achievement to some of you, but, it is a great one to me. Just trying to be a better man.” Dreu held a special place in his heart for St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes; a symbol of choosing faith when all seems lost. There wasn’t a critter on God’s green earth that Dreu didn’t love including snakes, frogs and Luna moths. From the time he was a boy until the day he passed, if Dreu saw a wild animal he would try to catch it to show anyone who would look then release it without harm. There were so many pets under Dreu’s care throughout his lifetime. A home for dogs, cats, fish, frogs, turtles, snakes, skunks, rabbits, spiders, lizards, and rats; so many creatures he showed nothing but compassion for. He was responsibly committed to his role as the “official sitter” of his grand-dog, sometimes taking the dog to work the night-shift at the museum if Dreu wasn’t able to have the night off. He was dedicated to his services and to helping his children. Dreu Staker was bigger than life with a heart so large and warm that it barely fit inside his 6 foot 5 frame. He was handsome and charming with an unforgettable smile. He wasn’t just the life of a party, he was the whole party. He was a magnificent yet humble artist and used his oversized hands to create the most intricate masterpieces in many different mediums with an appreciation for the bizarre. Dreu was a fan of music; inspired by Queen, Bruce Springsteen, Guns N’ Roses, Little Richard, The Eagles, Elvis, Michael Jackson, Rob Zombie and many others. Please play a song in memory of him. To know Dreu was to love him. It would be impossible not to love him. The loss we are sharing is monumental. He will be thoughtfully remembered and unbearably missed. Dreu was the loving father of Ashley P. Graham (Richard), Laura L. Staker (Charles), and Nicholas A. Staker; proud grandfather of Penelope Graham, Richard Graham III and Charles Dreu Emmons; honored by his brother, Dana (Fu) Staker and sister, Debra J. Fry (Michelle, Matthew); fondly remembered by the mother of his children, Krista Staker-Lane. Dreu was beloved by family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, James H. Staker and mother, Betty J. Staker. Dreu Staker’s family will be holding a Celebration of Life ceremony, open to the public on Friday, December 2, 2022 from 11 AM-2 PM at the Atterbury VFW Post #3420, 649 Churchmans Rd, Newark, DE 19702. All are welcome to join us in honor of an extraordinary man. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in the name of “Dreu J. Staker” to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Dreu J. Staker

January 22, 1959 - November 12, 2022

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