James K. Drennen
Dr. James Kirk “Kirk” Drennen, Jr., 84, of Butler, passed away on Friday at Butler Memorial Hospital.
He was born Nov. 24, 1930, in Grove City to the late James Kirk Drennen, Sr. and Fannie Renetta (Mathieson) Drennen.
Dr. Drennen was a graduate of Grove City High School, then went on to graduate from Grove City College in 1952 with bachelor of science degrees in chemistry and biology.
He earned his medical doctor's degree from Temple University School of Medicine in 1956.
Dr. Drennen served his internship at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, from 1956 to 1957, Junior Resident of surgery at Allegheny General from 1957 to 1958 and Senior Resident of Surgery at the VA Hospital, Pittsburgh from 1958 to 1960.
Dr. Drennen was a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as a lieutenant commander.
He served as a general surgeon on the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal and at the Quantico Naval Base during the period of 1960 to 1962.
He was honorably discharged from the service in 1962. Dr. Drennen then served as Chief Resident at the VA Hospital, Philadelphia for one year.
From 1963 until his retirement in 2000, he operated a private general surgery practice in Butler. He was certified by the American Board of Surgery in June 1964; named a fellow of the American College of Surgeons in October 1965; appointed as chairman, Department of Surgery at Butler Memorial Hospital in 1976; president, Butler County Medical Society, 1975 and secretary-treasurer, 1988; vice president, staff, 1989 at Butler Memorial Hospital; and president, staff, 1990.
Dr. Drennen was a member of the Butler County Medical Society, Pennsylvania Medical Society, American Medical Association, a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Certified with the American Board of Surgery.
He was also a member of Grace @ Calvary Lutheran Church and the Sons of American Revolution.
Dr. Drennen enjoyed hunting, boating and fishing. He loved to be around his family and grandchildren. He had a passion for education, his work and caring for his patients.
Dr. Drennen is survived by three sons, James Kirk Drennen, III and his wife Ronna of Mars, Bradley Russell Drennen and his wife Lisa of Johnstown, Pa., and Eric Bond Drennen and his wife Heidi of Chicora; one daughter, Kristin Charlotte (Drennen) Brant and her husband Christopher of Shanksville, Pa.; 10 grandchildren, Jamie, Callie, Katie, Zachary, Courtney, Kyle, Chloe, Maggie, Annalina and Will; and his former wife, Merab (Steininger) Drennen of Butler.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Allen Drennen; and two sisters, infant Charlotte and Ethel Marie Gealy.
DRENNEN — Friends of Dr. James Kirk “Kirk” Drennen, Jr., who died on Friday, July 24, 2015, will be received from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Roger Keller of St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Saxonburg officiating.Private burial will take place in the North Side Cemetery.Memorial donations are suggested to the Butler Health System Foundation, One Hospital Way, Butler, PA 16001 or Good Samaritan Hospice, 3500 Brooktree Road, Suite 320, Wexford, PA 15090.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.
