Carlos "Carl" W. Drennen, Jr., 81, of Massillon, went home to be with the Lord on October 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 11, 1944 in Deland, Florida to the late Carlos and Emily (Bauer) Drennen, Sr.

Carl was a graduate of Rootstown High School and furthered his education at Asbury College where he received his bachelor's degree in sociology.

Before beginning his career in social work, Carl started his own business, Drennen Services, the former Volvo Shop, which he worked and maintained while still dedicating much of his time to being a social worker and inspector for the State of Ohio.

He balanced the demands of owning his own business with his career in social work for 30 years before retiring. His commitment to his family and serving others was a core part of who he was.

Carl was a devoted, life-long member of Rootstown United Methodist Church (Church of Hope), where he provided spiritual guidance to others.

His faith and family was the focus of his life, which also included hosting exchange students over the years, demonstrating kindness and creating lifelong relationships that left an incredible impact on the lives of those he hosted.

Outside of his community involvement, Carl was always ready for the next adventure. He loved going on cruises, and travelling, which included an international trip to Asia and a 20-state road trip in his motorhome.

He was also a former resident of Bradenton, Florida with his wife, Lynn and their much-loved dog Harper. Carl & Lynn spent the past 10 years crossing things off their bucket list with Harper always by their side. Carl's spontaneous and adventurous spirit was appreciated by all.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Melinda "Lynn" Drennen, whom he married on June 27, 2015; his beloved children David (Kristin) Drennen, Sarah (Jim) Porter, Mark (Robin) Drennen, Michelle (Dave) Pryor, Cory (Ed) Frazier, and Eric (Mary) Gadus; his sister Terry (Ken) Evans; grandchildren who were the light of his life, Kyle Veon, Sydney Drennen, Garrett Drennen, Kiera Drennen, Riley Drennen, Kadin Peyton, Kaitlyn (Aaron) Vorst, Bayley Porter, Emma Porter, Reagan Porter, Sharon(Brandon) Messner, Lana (Ben) Kocis, Lucas Corron, Curtis (Rhianna) Corron, Jessie(Bobby) Vandyne, Caleb (fiancée Saryn) Drennen, Beck Frazier, Ashleigh Frazier, Matthew Pryor, Emory Gadus, Avery Gadus, Bennett Gadus; great-grandchildren, Jameson, Brantley, Joslin, Zoe, Gabe, Keston, Audrey, Emily, Duree, Remy, Ryder, Max, Maggie, Colton, Gracie,  Nevaeh, Kellsie, Vincent and Beau. And of course, his four-legged companion Harper.

In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his first wife, Ellen Mae Drennen, who he was married to for over 46 years until her passing in 2014.  Carl and Ellen met at Asbury College where they began a life full of love and helping others, while celebrating their Faith.

A celebration of Carl's life will be held on November 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Church of Hope in Rootstown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rootstown Church of Hope, 4065 State Route 44, Rootstown, Ohio, 44272.