WILLIAM "BILL" DRAPER

1949 - 2025

William "Bill" Draper, 76, of Millerton, went home to be with his Lord peacefully on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at his home. Bill was born in Elmira, N.Y. on January 31, 1949, to Bernard and Marian Draper. He owned and operated Draper's Super Bee Apiaries for over 50 years. Bill enjoyed visiting with fellow beekeepers and his many customers. He enjoyed working outdoors, gardening, and reading. Bill was a man of deep faith and read the Bible from cover to cover many times over. He was a longtime supporter and attendee of Millerton Wesleyan Church. Bill enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting, musical, and agricultural activities and could be seen on the benches cheering on the Mansfield Tigers and the Troy Trojans basketball teams. He was also an avid Yankees fan and was rarely without his beloved Yankees ball cap. He will be missed dearly at family get-togethers, sporting events, and sitting around the campfire on summer evenings.
Bill was married to his high school sweetheart, Richelle (Rochford) Draper until her death in 1994. Together they raised two sons, Royal (Cheryl) Draper of Millerton and Chad (Jun) Draper of Woodhull; six-grandchildren Katarina, Collin, Korinne, Gabe, Jacey, and Anna.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of almost 30 years, Bonnie (Hultz) Draper; sons, Ron (Krista) Andrews of Roseville, Duane (Ellen) Andrews of Gillett; grandchildren, Brady, Treven, Jayden, Grace, Gloria, Lucas, and Griffin; great-granddaughter, Wrenley.
He is survived by two sisters and two brothers, Larry (Brenda) Draper of Auburn, Nebraska, Steve Draper of Gillett, Linda (Gary) Stockin of Strasburg, and Dianne (Dave) Berry of Columbia Crossroads; one brother-in-law, Barry Hultz of Millerton.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his first wife, a daughter, Renee, a sister, Ruth, parents-in-law Gertrude and Walter Hultz, sister-in-law Jane, and his beloved beagle, Bubba.
In accordance with Bill's wishes, there will be no services. Memorial contributions can be made to the Millerton Wesleyan Church, Falck Cancer Center, or DaVita Ivy Dialysis.
In addition to the amazing Cancer Center and Dialysis workers, the family would like to thank UPMC Hospice for their endless compassion, support, and care.
Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com