John Russell Drinks, Sr., 46, a resident of Calvert County for six months and previously of Charles County, MD, died March 6, 2009. He was born February 25, 1963 in Washington, D.C., and raised in Popes Creek, Charles County, MD.

He attended Bel Alton Middle and McDonough High School. He was a journeyman carpenter with the Washington D.C. Carpenters Union Local 132. He grew up near and always loved the water, and was an avid fisherman. He was a NASCAR fan, especially of Dale Earnhardt. He was also a history buff, and enjoyed reading and learning about the American Civil War and World War II.

John was preceded in death by his mother Barbara Tayman Drinks.

He is survived by his wife Valerie A. Shea of LaPlata, MD; a son John R. Drinks, Jr. of Davenport, FL; his father Charles E. Drinks, Jr. and step mother Donna of Davenport, FL; a sister Katherine J. "Kathy" Varnell (Patrick Odom) of Huntingtown, MD; brothers James E "Jimmy" Drinks (Tonya) of Waldorf, MD and Michael T. Drinks (Dottie) of Cobb Island, MD. Also surviving are five nieces and one great-niece.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.

Funeral Service
March 11, 2009
8:00 P.M.
Location: Rausch Funeral Home - Owings, MD

Visitation
March 11, 2009
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Location: Rausch Funeral Home - Owings, MD