George Thomas Draper Jr., decorated veteran
George Thomas Draper Jr., 84, of Millsboro passed away at his home suddenly of heart failure Friday, June 29, 2018. He was born Jan. 19, 1934, to the late George T. Sr. and Mary Lodge Bird Draper in Wilmington.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953-57 and won several medals, including the Good Conduct Medal, NATO Ribbon, Naval Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service medal, and Presidential Unit Citation. He retired as a pipefitter from the Du Pont Chambers works plant in Deepwater, N.J. He was a member of Oak Orchard Community Church, and worked as a driver for the Christian Storehouse. He loved people and helping anyone he could, and was an active volunteer. He was devoted to his family, coached baseball, loved fishing, and was a devoted Eagles and Phillies fan. He sang in the choir, was an elder in the church, and also served as a board member.
He was preceded in death by his wife Linda in 2015, and his daughter Cynthia L. Draper in 2017. He is survived by his children: Carolyn C. Neil and husband David of Landenberg, Pa., Christopher T. Draper and wife Rhonda of Middletown, and Stephen S. Draper of Newark. He is also survived by a stepdaughter, Tami Genna of Camden-Wyoming. George is also survived by a sister: Nancy Wright of Wilmington; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many, many church friends. He also leaves behind his beloved canine friends Toots and Daisy.
In addition to his parents, wife and daughter, he was preceded in death by four sisters: Mary, Eleanor, Isabelle and Anna.
A time of visitation with the family will be held at Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro Monday, July 9, from 9:30 till 11:30 a.m., with a Memorial Service and Celebration of His Life following at 11:30. Pastor Allen Miller will officiate. Interment will be at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery with the conferring of military honors at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to: The American Heart Association. 200 Continental Dr., No. 101, Newark, DE 19713.
Electronic Condolences to:
www.watsonfh.com
