Drew Croft attended public schools in Dade City, FL, then studied dentistry
for a while. Ultimately he became a farmer. He was a politician for a while - , serving for a term as County Commissioner.

The following is more than a eulogy. It is an accurate and appropriate description of Drew, written by his daughter-in-law, Myra Croft:

"As long as I can remember a certain picture comes to mind when someone
mentions the word, "farmer." Old, weathered, resilient, and determined
are only a few of the images that automatically flash in my mind.
Certainly an image of my father-in-law, Drew, or better known as Dadda to
his grandchildren, bending over this ancient tractor wheels travels
through my senses.

Most people experience the season's passing when they have the opportunity
to examine their office calendars. I always relate the seasons changing
in terms of Drew fitting the ground for planting and cultivating. Every
season brings change to the landscape, and with every change in the
landscape brings joy and satisfaction to his timeless face.

As spring arrives, Drew's spirit soars to the clouds as he designs a
fitting plot to celebrate all the wonders of warm weather and summer to
come. Long, tattered sleeves attached to a faded, red checkered flannel
shirt, and soiled, olive pants reveal many hours of toil in the fields.
His jaw set, and body in full motion, he completes his proposed plan.

As spring progresses into summer, his face brightens as everything in his
garden comes to full bloom. Corn, peas, and even the persistent honey
bees fluttering in celebration. He works long hours picking and cleaning
all the vegetables he harvests. Never once does he complain of the
tedious hours it takes to prepare the vegetables for our families table.

Soon the days shorten and the skies become leaden with moisture as fall
approaches. The season always gives him time for one last effort before
winter sets in. Broccoli, greens and grubworms seem to set this season
apart from the rest. Even though the worms cause some destruction to his
plants, we never see a disturbed sign from this ageless, old man. With
tractor plow turning and grease gun in hand, he continues on.

As all change comes, so does winter. Every year each season eventually
makes a full turn and Drew's garden is no exception. Cold winds, dying
blooms and wet fields characterize this season. Long sleeves, heavy coat,
and ear muffs signify the dropping of the temperature. Determined to
finish harvesting the last of the cabbage, he will complete yet another
revolving cycle.

Over the years as I watch this eighty-six year old man, all his
accomplishments never surprise me. Neighbors can't understand why he
works so hard at his age, but Dadda sees his way of life as his personal
gift from God. To make his gift even more special, he in turn includes
all of his family in the tidings. If anyone outside our family looks at
this man, all they see is a bent, weathered, old figure. When we look at
him we see revelations of seasons past in his face. In turn, this is
Dadda's special gift to all of us."

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