Roy Dean Draper was born July 14th, 1939, in Smith Center, KS, the
youngest son of Clyde W. Draper and Velma L. (Nonamaker) Draper. He
passed away on April 6th, 2021, at the Rawlins County Health Center in
Atwood, KS.
Roy grew up on the family farm south of Kensington, KS. He spent most
of his summers working for relatives on their farms in the area. This
developed a strong work ethic. He graduated from Kensington High School
in 1957. When he was 19, he was hired “right off the tractor” by the
Kansas Department of Transportation. He spent the next 44 years with
KDOT until he retired in 2003. His work led him and the family to live
in Phillipsburg, Norton, Goodland, and finally Atwood.
Roy married Mary (Plymesser) Draper March 18th, 1960, in Phillipsburg,
KS. To this union three children were born, Laurie (Steve) Kastens of
Rawlins County, Linda (Joe Samson) Wright of Atwood, Jason (Rubylee)
Draper of WaKeeney, 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Roy and
Mary were married for 58 years. Their love was a great example for
their family.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Velma Draper, an
infant sister Valta Jean Draper, brother-in-law Francis Hoffman,
brother-in-law Gary Plymesser, sister-in-law Sandra Plymesser, and his
beloved wife Mary Draper.
He is survived by his children, brother Donald (Marilyn) Draper of Elizabeth, CO and sister Ellen Hoffman of Lincoln, NE.
Roy had many hobbies and passions throughout his life. He loved
athletics regardless of which sport or kids were playing. He enjoyed
camping and relaxing at the lake with Mary. After Mary passed in 2018,
he started attending Country music dances. He appreciated the old-style
music and new friends he made including Sally Hudson, who became a dear
friend and dance partner.
There will be a viewing at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood, on Thursday, April
8, 2021, from 5-7 p.m. The funeral service will be at the United
Methodist Church, in Atwood, Friday, April 9, at 10:00 a.m., with
interment in Fairview Cemetery, Atwood. Memorials are suggested to the
USD 105 Athletic Department or the organization of the Donor’s choice
and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS
67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com