Bob Drury the founder of Drury Southwest, Inc. and his brothers grew up working long hours on the family farm back in the 1940’s. Their father Lambert Drury introduced his sons to the construction industry by forming a tile and plaster company to help supplement the family farm income. The business began by taking on small jobs. Bob and some of his brothers eventually took leave of plastering to serve loyally in the United States Army.
Upon returning, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Anna Rose Heisserer, who grew up on a neighboring farm outside of Kelso, MO. Bob and his brothers helped energize the Drury family business, making it successful and respected throughout Southeast Missouri and neighboring states. Ann raised their 3 children, Kathy, Rick and Julie, as well as becoming a real “shaker and mover” of the Volunteer Department of St. Francis Hospital.
In the 1960’s the Drury family business expanded and they built their first hotel in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Bob and his brothers enjoyed the challenges and rewards that the hotel industry presented so in 1974 they formed another company known today as Drury Hotels. Drury Hotels continues to be 100% family owned and operated. For 40 years, Drury has continued to stick with the basics that helped the company grow from a small plastering business in the Bootheel of Missouri to a successful, growing system of over 130 hotels in 20 states.
