Thomas R. Draper

Thomas Richard Draper, aged 77, passed away Monday, February 12, 2024. Born and raised in Jackson, he was the son of Howard Draper and Helen Mathias. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jeanne Draper. He is also survived by his niece Leslie Nagy and her daughter Reese; his nephew Marker Granger, his daughter Amber and her son Bentley. He is survived by Jeanne’s daughters, Laura (Dennis) Hindman and Victoria (Mark) Schufeldt, grandchildren Amy (Rob) Powers, Casey (Jake) Murtaugh, Danielle (Dom) Schufeldt Gliko, Zack (Hena) Schufeldt, Jessica Schufeldt and Miranda Hindman. Also he is survived by his great grandchildren Naveyah, Emmett and Harper.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Karen Draper.

Tom graduated from Parkside High School in 1964. He attended Jackson College and Michigan State University. Then he served in the Army and Army reserves. After he returned to Jackson, he worked for Office Supplies until he joined Watling Lerchen & Co., Inc. which later became A.G. Edwards. He was with A.G. Edwards until he retired in 2008. He served on various community boards such as Jackson College Foundation and the Jackson Community Foundation. He also enjoyed supporting Hillsdale College, Cascade Humane Society, Interfaith Shelter and The Dahlem Center.  Tom was well known for his passion for golf and travel. He traveled most of the world. He also enjoyed having boats in northern Michigan. He worked hard and played hard. We will miss him and his zany ideas that always made our lives interesting.

Celebration of his life will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 309 S. Jackson St., Jackson, Michigan on Monday, February 19th at 11:00am. It will be followed by visitation and lunch with the family at the Cascade Manor on 1970 Kibby Road, Jackson.

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