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Harry Draper Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - Harry L. Draper, 76, of Springfield passed away at Heritage Manor in Springfield on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007.
He was born the son of Curtis and Maggie Dixon Draper on Oct. 9, 1931, in Springfield.
He married Norma Jean Ramey in 1954, and she preceded in him death on July 15, 2001. He also was preceded in death by his parents; and a daughter, Selina.
Mr. Draper attended Springfield public schools. He was a retired police lieutenant of the Springfield Police Department, serving 25 years. He was a member of the Police Benevolent and Protective Association and the Springfield Ethical Police Society. He received several awards for outstanding police performances. He was a former amateur boxer, winning titles in Springfield and the U.S. Army. He served in the Army from 1951 to 1953. He was a member of American Legion Post 809. He began a hobby as a boxing referee, which spanned 40 years. He was the recipient of the Golden Boy Award from the Boys & Girls Club for outstanding service to youth in 1981 and the NAACP Webster Plaque for outstanding leadership and unselfish service to the youth and community of Springfield in 1982. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Holy Name Society and St. Vincent DePaul Society. He was a member of the Springfield Boxing Club and Engine House No. 5 Boxing Club for several years.
He is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Draper of Oakland, Calif., and Carol Draper of Springfield; a son, Michael Draper of Belleville; a sister, Jo Ann Barger of Springfield; granddaughters, Erica Johnson, Jean and Christine Draper; a grandson, Anthony Draper; and a great-grandson, Nicholas Johnson.
Services are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen St. The family will meet friends on Monday, Nov. 26, 2007, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 700 S. 12th St. The services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the church with Father Michael Haag officiating. Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery, with the Military Honor Guard conducting honors.
Please visit the online celebration of life at www.mem.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harry Draper
Anthony (Tony) Robinson
December 3, 2007
Carol & Cheryl
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You might recall that dad, and I taught you babies to swim at the beach in Springfield. I'm Buzz's older brother.When we were little, we used to spend every Friday night (after 12 PM), eating Mrs. Drape's fried chicken with you, and Mikey.Harry was both a "big brother" and mentor to us, and we will all miss him. Love to you and your families. Tony
Tracey (Jones) Green
December 2, 2007
My deepest sympathy to your family at this time.I used to live next door to Mr.and Mrs.Draper as a kid, they were great people.
Ken Cole
November 26, 2007
To the Draper Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Harry. I started with SPD in the early 70's. Sgt. Draper (at the time) was one of the people you knew you could go to with a question and get a real answer. He always had time to give guidance and cousel when it was needed. The Springfield PD was made better by Harry being a part of it. He will always be remembered and will be missed.
Charles Pennell
November 25, 2007
The Draper Family, Please accept my sincere sorrow for your loss. I was priviledged to have served with Harry on the Springfield Police Dept. Harry was a good guy.
Charlie Pennell
Jean Draper-Black
November 24, 2007
I would like to thank everyone for their kinds words and tributes. My family and i are grateful. Thank you very much.
Rick N. McKee (Memorial Medical Center)
November 24, 2007
To Harry's family it was an honor knowing Harry. He always had a smile and a something to say. He was crisp and neat in appearance everytime you saw him. I have not seen him for some time but the memories are there and he will remembered. So long to a great person..
Sandra Mercer
November 24, 2007
Carol and family,
So sorry to here about your Dad. I have so many great memories of all of us working nights in the ER. I still tell those stories and it always brings a smile. Harry was the kindest, gentlest man and always treated everyone with respect. You will be in my prayers.I was out of town this week and just learned of his passing. I would have loved to have seen you.
Sharon (Lloyd) Schmitt
November 23, 2007
Carol and Cheryl: My family was sadly about the news of your father.He was a sweet heart.
Sharon (Lloyd) Schmitt
November 23, 2007
Carol and Cheryl: I am very sorry to read about your father. He was a sweet heart. And we always talk about the good old days.
Bob Weichert
November 23, 2007
I had the pleasure to serve many years with Harry on the Sangamon County Deputy Sheriff's Merit Comm. He was truly a fine man. I loved listening to him tell us stories about his days on the SPD. My prayers are with his family.
faith moffitt
November 23, 2007
sorry to hear of the loss of your father i worked with him at handy andy a few years ago when he was loss pervention manger he was a great guy he will be saddly missed by lots of people god bless you that u keep strong and able to go on bless u all faith a moffitt
Nicole Banks-Harper
November 23, 2007
To the Family of Harry Draper. Please know that your family is in my thougts and prayers, and may God bless and keep your family strong during this very difficult time.
Much Sympathy
Nicole Banks-Harper & Family
Carol (friend of Lavaughn)
November 23, 2007
Harry was always so polite when I talked to him on the phone and a real pleasure when I had the honor of meeting him in person. God's peace to the family and to all of his friends.
Michele (Henderson) Wilson
November 23, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
BERT VIOLA JR
November 23, 2007
HARRY DRAPER FAMILY:
VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF HARRY'S PASSING. I SHALL MISS HIM DEARLY AS WE HAVE BEEN FRIENDS SINCE 1949 AND WE SERVED TOGETHER DURING THE KOREAN WAR. HE WAS A TRUE FRIEND AND A GENTLEMEN AT ALL TIMES. HE WAS ALWAYS IN EXCELLENT PHYSICAL SHAPE AND HELPED ME THRU THE INFULTRATION COURSE ON ACTIVE DUTY. HE WAS CHAPLAIN'S ASSISTANT AND I PLAYED THE ORGRAN DURING MASS ON ACTIVE DUTY. CAME HOME TOGETHER ON THE TRAIN AND GOT TO MEET HIS FAMILY IN CHICAGO. SHALL MISS HIM DEARLY.
john r newman
November 23, 2007
i can remember seeing uncle harry,as i called him in a picture dressed as a marine,and i thought he must be tough. he was always very kind to me. i use to see him in the post office. GOD bless his soul. he will be missed.
Ron & Mary Carter
November 23, 2007
To the Family of HARRY L. DRAPER, please accept our condolences in the passing of your loved one. We have wonderful memories of HARRY, especially growing up. He will be missed.
Sonny Moss SPD RTD.
November 23, 2007
Gone but not forgotten, my friend.
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