Obituary for Jack Edward Draper

Jack Edward Draper 93

of Kenton

Jack Edward Draper, 93, of Kenton, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Hardin Hills in Kenton, Friday, October 27th, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born July 2, 1930 to the late Chester (Pat) Draper and Helen Rebecca (Hahn) Draper. He met the love of his life, Shirley Ann (Haas) Draper at the portable skating rink in Kenton in 1946. They were married on March 21, 1948 and celebrated their 75th anniversary earlier this year. Shirley preceded him in death on April 9, 2023. 

He is survived by his two daughters; Sherrie Dyer of Mt. Victory and Debbie (Steve) Ashba of Kenton. Jack has seven grandchildren: Jacki (Audie) Atienza, Lori (Chris) Sherman, Michael (Sandy) Smith, Tammy Rodgers, Richard Stover, Jason (Jill) Stover, and Sarah Huff; three step-grandchildren: Aaron (Nicole) Ashba, Adam Ashba, and Alan (Amber) Ashba; nineteen great-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his sister, Sandy (Gary) Clark, and one grandchild, Leslie Teeters. 

Jack was born and raised in Kenton, Ohio. He and Shirley spent 32 winters in Frostproof, Florida, with a community of family members and friends in Lakemont Ridge Home & RV Park. He was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Church in Kenton, Elk’s #157 of Kenton, a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge #428 of Kenton. He began his career at Rockwell International in 1949. He served as President of the Allied Industrial Workers AFL-CIO Union for 10 years. In 1970, he was appointed as a Regional Representative for the AIW AFL-CIO Union serving western Ohio until 1992, at which time he retired. In his retirement, he continued to give back to those around him by being selected to serve as Mayor in his retirement community in Florida, Lakemont Ridge Mobile Home Park and was well known for sharing calendars and pens with his and Shirley’s names on them with family and friends every year. Jack was an avid Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians and Ohio State fan. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Price McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. On Monday, October 30, 2023 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. On Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at the funeral home with Rev Randall Forester officiating. Burial will follow at Grove Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Jack’s name to St. John’s Evangelical Church, 211 E. Carroll St., Kenton, OH 43326. 

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.