07/14/2026
Pastor Ron Drury Announces Retirement
Celebrating 41 Years of Faithful Service
July 14, 2026
After 41 years of dedicated ministry, Pastor Ron will be retiring, leaving a legacy of faith, service, and community impact. Since arriving in Hickman, Nebraska, in March 1990, he has faithfully served his congregation as well as the broader Norris and Hickman communities with compassion, energy, and unwavering commitment.
Throughout his ministry, Pastor Ron has helped create a welcoming, supportive faith community while extending care and encouragement far beyond the church walls.
A Life of Service and Calling
• Earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, and completed graduate studies at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and Omaha
• Served as a Social Worker at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital (Lincoln) and Martin Luther Home (Mosaic) in Beatrice, Nebraska
• Answered a calling to pastoral care in 1981, continuing his studies at Trinity E.L.C.A. Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, where he received his Master of Divinity in 1985
• Helped guide and grow faith communities for more than four decades, serving Lutheran churches in Beatrice, Nebraska; Cut Bank, Montana; Columbus, Ohio; Preston and Spragueville, Iowa, from 1981 to 1990
• Appointed Pastor at Shepherd of the Hills E.L.C.A. Lutheran Church in Hickman, Nebraska, in March 1990
Deep Roots in Community
• Built meaningful, lasting connections for more than 30 years with the people of Hickman and the surrounding communities
• Formed and has led the Norris area Church Clergy Coalition from April 1990 to the present
• Serves as a TeamMates mentor and charter board member, 2005 to the present
• Has been a familiar and enthusiastic presence at local school events, warmly supporting students and families
• Advocated for the Hickman Area Food Pantry and helped respond to important community needs
• Devotedly supported Shepherd of the Hills parishioners by attending events, milestones, and special moments whenever possible
• Volunteered for many years with Special Olympics
• Shared his love of music as host and music director of “E-Rock” on 104.1 FM and Emmanuel on KKNB in Lincoln, Nebraska
A Life Rich in Family and Interests
• Raised in Cleveland, Pastor Ron has maintained a lifelong appreciation for Northeast Ohio
• He is married to Teri, a dedicated teacher who retired a few years ago from Norris Elementary
• Proud father of three adult children
• Cherished as “Papa” by his grandchildren
• Passionate about arts and athletics, including years of volunteer coaching in baseball, football, and soccer
Celebration of Service & Community Invitation
A Celebration Worship Service honoring Pastor Ron will be held at 9:30 a.m. on August 2 at:
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 6901 Panama Rd., Hickman, NE
Community members, friends, and former parishioners are warmly invited to gather in gratitude and celebration of Pastor Ron’s remarkable ministry.
A fellowship meal will be served following the service, and reservations are kindly requested.
Please call the church office at 402-792-2901 no later than July 22 to make a reservation.
Those who would like to share a special memory, greeting, or words of encouragement with Pastor Ron are invited to send them to the church office.
Submissions may be mailed to:
Shepherd of the Hills, 6901 Panama Rd., Hickman, NE 68372
c/o Paula Bright
Pastor Ron’s retirement marks the close of an extraordinary chapter defined by service, leadership, and heartfelt connection. His influence will continue to be felt through the many lives he has touched.
The congregation and community extend their deepest gratitude to Pastor Ron and wish him and his family abundant blessings in this next season.
For more information, please call Shepherd of the Hills E.L.C.A. at 402-792-2901
[email protected]
