Derwin Dale Draper

1932 - 2018

Derwin Dale Draper FORT WORTH -- Derwin Dale Draper, 86, died peacefully and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 25, 2018. SERVICE: Dale was interred in a private family graveside service with full military honors. MEMORIALS: Please send memorials, in lieu of flowers, to the Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org. Dale was born April 30, 1932, in Glen Rose, to Bill and Mildred Draper. He graduated from the ROTC program at North Texas State University, receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1953. That year he also married the love of his life,his wife of 56 years, Carol Ann (Head) Draper. Lt. Col. Draper was a decorated master navigator in a distinguished military career that spanned 21 years, until his retirement in 1974. He served two combat tours in the Vietnam war, flying 132 combat missions. Medals received during his military career were the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Medal and the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation. Dale was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol; daughter, Amy Justice; infant twin sons, James and John Draper; and grandson, Rusty Justice. SURVIVORS: Greg Draper and wife, Paula; daughter, Gay Hudson and husband, Scott; and son-in-law, Lisle Justice; grandchildren, Dan Draper and wife, Kayla, Diane Frazier and husband, Brandt, Hanna Hudson, Ty Hudson, Kim Larsen and husband, Tim; Brad Justice and wife, Jaclyn; and Andy Justice; great grandchildren, Gavin Larsen, Emma Larsen, and Grace Larsen. Dale is also survived by his brother, Bill Draper, and wife, Eve; brother-in-law, Houston Head; and his second wife, Deanna Miller.