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William DRAPER Obituary



DRAPER, William H. "Bill," 82, of Tampa, passed away Friday, May 28, 2010. He is in God' s love and peace. Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Lois Koch Draper; brother, Thomas A. Draper; sons, Eric Draper and Lonnie Draper; daughters, Lynn Sipay and Bonnie Wright; stepdaughters, Tina Leigh Reddick and Kelley Beverly; and his faithful dog, Wrinkles. He was preceded in passing by his youngest son, Tom. Bill was born in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Elma and Thomas. He served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of chief master sergeant. Stationed at MacDill Air Force Base early in his service, he loved Florida and returned to Tampa, where he enjoyed a second career teaching automotive mechanics at Jefferson High School. He was known for his quick humor, love of country and willingness to help others. He was admired by his fligthline crews and the students he patiently mentored. Bill was a member of the Tampa Cruis-a-Cade Club and enjoyed cruising Florida' s waterways with his loving wife and companion, Lois.

His life will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 19, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 14920 Hutchison Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by TBO.com on Jun. 16, 2010.

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James Salgado

June 16, 2010

Mr. Draper, 'Bill' was my former high school auto mechanics teacher, mentor and friend. I am saddened by his passing yet grateful for all he has done and meant to me. His leadership and guidance has made me the man I am today. he was truly a man of honor, character and wisdom and someone we all in his class can never deny as that someone we could always look to no matter our issues in life. May his memories never fade! TSgt James L Salgado, United States Special Operations Command

June 16, 2010

I will miss GrandPa Bill, his pea-salad,his love for Lois and Wrinkles, and putting up with all the kids when we invaded his Lake Half Moon sanctuary. Love Tina and family

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