Drura LaVega Pippin, age 82, was born in Waynesville, Missouri, in 1899 on April 13 to Dr. Bland Nixon and Nancy (Vaughn) Pippin.
The families of the Pippin’s and the Vaughn’s settled in Pulaski County in the early 1800’s.
Dru graduated from Soldan High School in St. Louis, and after serving in the Armed Forces during World War I, he graduated from the University of Missouri School of Agriculture in Columbia, Missouri in 1922. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Social Fraternity and Alpha Zeta Honorary Agriculture Fraternity.
Following graduation, Dru went to Marshall, Missouri in Saline County as County Extension Agent and there met Eva Luther of Burns, Tennessee, whom he married in 1925.
Dru and Eva came to Waynesville that year, and assumed the management of Pippin Place on the Gasconade River, which for many years was a vacation spot of renown.
Dru’s only sister is Lauramae, Mrs. Charles Echert, of Albany, New York.
In 1927, a son, Dan Luther Pippin was born; and in 1928, a daughter, Nancy Lu completed their family.
Nancy survives and Dan is remembered by us as Missouri Universities 1952 Olympic Basketball Captain for the United States of America.
Pippin, an agronomist, and practicing farmer, was named Master Framer of Missouri in 1929.
In the early 30’s Dru worked as an appraiser for the Federal Land Bank.
During World War II, Pippin Place became a year round home for hundreds of army officers and their wives. At this time, Dru became active in the A.U.S.A., the U.S.O., helped establish the Lion’s Club, the local Shrine Club, and continued his support with the United Methodist Church, which was a major interest throughout his entire life.
Dru was a leader of the University of Missouri Alumni Association of Pulaski County, a 60 year member of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge, a member of the Grand Chapter of Missouri Order of the Eastern Star, Pulaski County - Fort Wood Shrine Club (which met at Pippin Place for many years), a member of Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple of Springfield, Missouri, the Scottish Rite, Lebanon Commandry #331 of Waynesville, Missouri.
Governor Phil M. Donnelly appointed Dru to the Missouri State Conservation Commission in 1947-1969. He served as its chairman and was re-appointed to the commission by Governor John M. Dalton from 1951-1964, when Senator frank Briggs was appointed to the United States Senate.
Dru served as an honorary Colonel on the staff of both Governor Donnelly and Governor Dalton.
Dru’s efforts, along with those of former United States Senator Stuart Symington and Representative Dewey Short and others, helped to establish Fort Leonard Wood as a permanent Military installation.
After Eva’s death, 1962, Dru stayed at Pippin Place andin1964 married Wilda Miller of West Plains, who passed away in 1980.
Dru passed away quietly on Monday, June 15 at the Pulaski County Memorial Hospital.
He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Duggins, of Jefferson City, Missouri, 1 sister, Lauramae Echert, Albany, New York; 7 grandchildren: Ralph H. Duggins III, Fort Worth, Texas; Martha L. Duggins, Dallas, Texas; Mrs. Berry Wanless, Springfield, Illinois; Elizabeth R. Duggins, Jefferson City, Missouri; Dr. Dru N. Pippin, Columbia, Missouri; David Pippin; Rolla, Missouri; Mrs. Glen Golson, Mexico, Missouri; 4 great-grandchildren: Dan, Heath, and Kelli Pippin, Columbia, Missouri, and Ashley Wanless, Springfield, Illinois.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 18, 1981 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Waynesville, Missouri with Rev. Jess Norris officiating.
Burial was in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Long-Moss-Williams Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were: Ralph H. Duggins, Dr. Dru M. Pippin, David Pippin, Glen Golson, Barry Wanless, and Arthur Lankford.
Organist was Mrs. Dorothy Moore and singers were members of the Norris family.
