David Paul Draper

David Paul Draper, 72, of Washington Township in rural Whitley County, passed away Thursday, February 3, 2022 at Miller's Merry Manor in Columbia City. Born February 7, 1949 in Huntington, he was the son of Corwin "Corky" Alfred Draper and Margaret Katherine (Weiford) Draper.

He graduated from Huntington High School with the Class of 1967 and received his Associates degree from Sam's Technical Institute/ITT. Shortly after graduating high school, David met Mary "Lucy" Richards at a Farm Bureau hosted Rural Youth event in Majenica. Lucy needed a ride home, so David offered her a ride. He would gain her dad’s respect shortly after when David came over to the house one day after the cattle had gotten loose and helped them get back inside the fence. On June 20, 1970, David and Lucy were married at Washington Center United Methodist Church.

In 1969, David joined the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and was stationed in England and served until being honorably discharged in November of 1973. In England, David and Lucy welcomed their first child into their heart and home, Mary Beth and then back stateside, welcomed Jason.

In 2001, David began working for Warner Electric and retired as a Quality Engineer. He was a member of Washington Center United Methodist Church where he had been a song leader and Treasurer, the American Legion Post 85 in Huntington, and the Loyal Order of Moose 837 in Huntington. He was a supporter of the Whitley County 4-H, along with his entire family over the years. For 10 years David was an Assistant Scout Master with Troop 83 as his son was growing up.

Being musically gifted, David played the trombone and was in jazz band and marching band in high school. He later played in Bishop Luers High School’s pep band while his son coached football. He was a skilled woodworker and had the talent for scroll artwork. He found relaxation in fishing, collecting coins, and doing genealogy research. David also enjoyed bowling and golfing and competing in leagues until his vision quality lessened.

A man with a great sense of humor, David was trusting, caring, and there to help others in need. He loved his family dearly, was a great teacher to his children, and enjoyed travelling, taking summer family vacations as his children were growing up, and going to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

David is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Lucy Draper; daughter, Mary Beth (Brad) Schuman; son, Jason (Mary) Draper; brothers, Robert "Bob" (Ronda) Draper and Donald "Don" (Steve) Draper; sister, Susie Draper; and grandchildren, Keifer Schuman, Avery Comparet, Aubrey Comparet, Ian Schuman and Adeline Draper. He was preceded in death by his parents, Corwin and Margaret Draper.

Visitation will be 3 to 8 pm Thursday, February 10, 2022 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 am Friday at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City with Pastor Bill Rapp officiating, and military rights rendered by the U.S. Air Force. A private burial will take place at Beech Grove Cemetery in Huntington County. Memorial donations may be given in memory to Washington Center United Methodist Church. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send David's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.