Marilyn "Mel" Drone

Marilyn (Mel) Drone, age 73, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2024, at her home in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on September 23, 1950, to William and Harriet (Roper) Johnson and graduated from Bishop Ready High School in 1968.

Preceding her in death were her parents, William and Harriet Johnson, her brother Mark Johnson, and sisters Judith, Joan, and Peggy Johnson, along with her stepson Dustin Drone and nephew David Conkey.

Mel is survived by her loving husband, Wm. Darrell Drone; daughters Andrea (Mike) Ashley and Stephanie O’Brien; stepchildren Wm. Darrell (Amy) Drone Jr. and Mike (Rachel) Drone; siblings Michael (Paula) Johnson and Sally Harrison; numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends.

Mel loved her grandbabies Duncan, Ava, McKenzie, Trevor, Johnny, and Jack. She delighted in spoiling them with sweet treats and creating lasting memories.

Throughout her career, Mel spent several years at Rockwell International and dedicated many more to the State of Ohio, where she retired after 20 years.

Her best friends were her siblings, who supported her throughout her life. After an 18-year marriage to Paul Maclam, with whom she had her daughters and remains friends, Mel found the love of her life a second time, Darrell. They married in 2000, and she cherished him and his family. Mel and Darrell lived life to the fullest, contributed to the West Side, and made many lasting memories with their friends over the years.

Mel leaves her friends and family with many fond recollections of her… chatting at Blueberry Hill with her glass of white zinfandel… cooking at the Hilltop Bean Dinner… group camping, school sports parties and weekends at Sunfish Creek (Uncle June’s)… Browns and Buckeye watch parties… cruising the Caribbean Islands and trips to Lake Erie, Oglebay, and Florida… her famous German potato salad, brownies, cheese ball, and deviled eggs… the Johnson family get-togethers.

Family and friends are welcome to memorialize Mel at Newcomer Funeral Home (Grove City) on Monday, July 29 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. A brief service will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Tunnel to Towers (https://t2t.org/donate/) or a local charity of your choice. In 2019 an extended family member was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan, and Tunnel to Towers assisted his wife (our cousin) and their children. Since then, Mel has held the charity close to her heart.