Edward Drew Lenard, age 78, a native of Vaiden, Mississippi, passed peacefully at his home on January 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. After a life devoted to following Christ, Drew is now in the presence of his Lord, enjoying the fullness of eternal life.
Drew recently celebrated 56 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Vanda English Lenard of Durant, Mississippi, whom he met while attending Holmes Junior College in 1965. In December of 1969, the two were married, and together they have built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and service to others.
The son of a Carroll County farmer, farming was a natural part of Drew’s life and career path. He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Specialist degrees in Agriculture Education from Mississippi State University, reflecting his lifelong commitment to learning and teaching. He dedicated 30 years to education in the Carroll County School District, where he taught vocational agriculture and invested deeply in the lives of his students.
Drew was named Mississippi’s Vocational Agriculture Teacher of the Year in 1988. He held various leadership roles in the MS Association of Agriculture Educators and was inducted into the Agriculture Educators Hall of Fame in 2006. Drew served as a Regional and State Advisor to the Future Farmers of America (FFA), mentoring countless young people and shaping future leaders. Upon retirement from teaching, Drew taught blueprinting and remedial math skills to manufacturing employees at Anel Corporation to further develop their workforce skills, for which Drew was recognized by the Mississippi House of Representatives in 2010.
A man of deep faith, Drew faithfully served Vaiden Baptist Church in many roles throughout his life, including Chairman of the Deacons, Sunday School teacher, and Minister of Music at Baptist churches in both Vaiden and Kilmichael, Mississippi. Gifted musically, he shared his talents through singing and playing the guitar, violin, and piano, using music as another way to worship and serve others.
Drew was also a skilled craftsman and known for his business, Lenard’s Leather, where he handcrafted saddles and fine leather goods with care and precision. An avid outdoorsman, Drew loved to hunt and fish and had a special fondness for collecting anything powered by a motor or containing gunpowder—whether it was a fishing boat, his 1938 Plymouth Coupe, or his treasured collection of firearms.
He was a wonderful storyteller with a rare ability to turn everyday moments into meaningful life lessons. Above all, Drew lived a life marked by integrity and grit. He
worked hard, treated people well, and devoted his life to studying the Bible and serving Jesus. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy of faith, service, and love.
Drew is survived by his wife, Vanda Lenard; his children, Pamela Coker (Jason) of Clinton, Mississippi, Paula Pratt (Paul) of Ridgeland, Mississippi, and Daniel Lenard (Heather) of Oxford, Mississippi; and his six grandchildren, Gracie Drew Pratt, Jake Pratt, Liam Coker, Owen Coker, Reyna Coker, and Maggie Lenard, who were a great source of joy and pride in his life. He is also survived by his sister, Melba Lenard Ford (Jimmy) of Vaiden, Mississippi; his sister-in-law, Judy Alley (George) of Vaiden, Mississippi; and his brother-in-law, Carl English (Karen) of Wilmington, North Carolina. Drew is preceded in death by his parents, Drew Odell Lenard and Aubra Dale Scoggins.
Although Drew’s final years of life were marked by Parkinson’s Disease, his life stands as a testimony that faithfulness in the ordinary produces an extraordinary legacy. The Lenard family extends their heartfelt gratitude to St. Dominic Hospital, Adoration Hospice, and Visiting Angels® for their compassionate care and support during Drew’s final days.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Oliver Funeral Home located at 113 Liberty St, Winona, Mississippi. The funeral service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Vaiden Baptist Church located at 501 Mulberry St, Vaiden, Mississippi. A graveside service will follow at Vaiden Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mississippi FFA Association, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205-0771.
Vanda and children we are so very sorry to hear this news. We thought a lot of Drew and appreciated all he did for us and Christopher. He had a special place in our hearts and we will never forget his kindness and friendship. RIP Drew! Love in Christ
Vanda and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Drew was definitely a child of God who, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit, shared his faith and walked daily in faith with our Heavenly Father. He was an inspiration to all who were blessed to know him. May each of you receive comfort and peace from our Heavenly Father during this time of loss and in the days to follow. Our sincere condolences and prayers.
I express sorrow to the family and friends of Edward Drew Lenard. I pray our Lord’s love, comfort and strength for each of you. It was an honor to think of Drew as a personal friend. His resourcefulness was valuable. He help to provide needed equipment for Central Hill Baptist Retreat. I am praying for each of you daily.
We are so sorry. Drew and I were good friends when they lived in Winona and after Dan and I married, he and Drew hunted together some at Hebron. Our prayers for peace and comfort are with you all. I always loved the Lenard family. Dan and Janie Williams Campbell
So sorry to hear about Drew. He was a good man with a beautiful wife and family. He will be missed by all who knew him. Prayers for the family in this time of sorrow. Ron Collins