Lewis Wendell Drennan

Lewis Wendell (Wendy) Drennan was born to Pete and Rosa Bell Drennan on September 25, 1946. Wendy’s childhood consisted of riding his horse King, fishing, quail hunting, and picking a lot of cotton. As a young adult, Wendy was baptized into God’s family at Oak Church of Christ in El Paso. Wendy found and married the love of his life, Ninette Burns Drennan. They married on August 15, 1968, and were together 56 years.

After graduating from Arkansas Teachers College (UCA), Wendy accepted his first teaching position in the tiny ozark town of Jasper, Arkansas. Although they missed their family, they both enjoyed the adventure of beginning their lives together in such a beautiful and rugged location. One such adventure was riding in a boat to work when the river would rise. Jasper remained a special place to Ninette and Wendy. (They were blessed to visit it just this past Sunday. Soon they added Cheryl to the family, which helped them decide to move back to El Paso to be closer to family. Wendy accepted a teaching job at Cabot High School and Mark was born.

Wendy enjoyed teaching advanced math and calculus for 37 years at Cabot, where his skillful ability to educate difficult subjects did not go unnoticed as he received many awards. However, no awards meant more to him than seeing a student score a 5 on an AP test or revisit him as successful adults.

Along with teaching, Wendy worked on the family farm alongside his father raising soybeans, cotton and cattle. When not working, Wendy would be found with his children. He always made time for his family. 

Many memories were made in that 12-foot flat bottom boat, whether it was detangling his kids lines in trees at Cut Off Landing or rocking the boat to get off of stobs at Lake Conway.

 His life took another turn with the addition of four grandchildren. He loved his grandchildren with all his heart as he built them a cabin in the woods, traveled to all their ballgames, and made sure their gas tanks were always full. When Beckett was born, he became a great-grandfather. He and Beckett shared a bond like no other. Known as “Pa” to everyone else, Beckett lovingly called him “Luigi”.

 Wendy spent his entire life residing on Ridge Road in El Paso. The sense of community was important to him and after retiring, he volunteered his time to serve on many boards such as El Paso Community board and Grissard Cemetery Board.

Wendy was known as a humble, hardworking, kind and generous man. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years; children, Cheryl (John), Mark (Misty); grandchildren, Cody Reaves, Pete (Grace), Ellie Chapman (Cole), Will Reaves; a great grandson, Beckett, and one due in April, 2025.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grissard Cemetery, PO Box 93, El Paso, AR 72045. 

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. Funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas, with burial in Grissard Cemetery.omeHH

To view the online register, go to www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook