Robert Draper, Sr.

Robert E. Draper, Sr. (also affectionately known as Bob or Bobby), age 74, of Copperas Cove, TX, passed away on Monday, February 15, 2021. His graveside service will be from 9:00 – 9:30 am on Friday, March 26th held at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX which will be available on Facebook livestream at facebook.com.

He was born on June 25, 1946, to the late Andrew Draper and Rachel Winston in Detroit, MI. He married Delores Draper on January 4, 1969, in Detroit, MI.  He enlisted in the United States Army where he faithfully served for over twenty years.  He earned many awards and decorations during his military service to include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Award.  After retirement, he remained in Copperas Cove, TX to raise his family.  His devotion to higher learning earned him a Master of Arts degree in Computer Resources & Information Management from Webster University.  He worked for various companies to include JP Morgan and BMC Software managing their computer programming needs.  He also taught at Central Texas College.

He shared his love of the arts with his family.  His passions included traveling, music, reading, fishing/camping, playing cards/games, and movies.  He loved planning trips for his family whether it was to a national park, campground, or to visit with extended family. He adored his grandchildren, treasuring each of their accomplishments and attending their recitals, sporting events, and graduations whenever he could. He looked forward to his weekly card games with his friends.  And every year, he made time to reread his favorite books and watch again his favorite movies.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Draper and Rachel Winston; his loving wife, Delores Draper; and his Uncle Thurman and Aunt Mary Montgomery, his Aunt Rachel (Johnson) Winston, and other loved ones.

He is survived by his daughters, Rachel Draper-Marion and her daughter, Lydia; Deanna and Randy Stoneroad and their sons, Randy II and Chandler; Jacqueline Draper and Paul Reynolds and their son, Noah; Felicia and Joseph Torrez and their daughters, Adrianna and Elicia, and their sons, Javier and Xavier; His sons Robert Draper Jr and Yanira Lopez and his daughter, Madison and his son, Robert III; Anthony Draper and his daughters, Keara, Aaliyah, Imani, Jasmine, and London.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project.

When I’m Gone

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile

Forget unkind words I may have spoken
Remember the good I have done
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I’ve had loads of fun

Forget that I may have stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of day

Then forget to grieve for my going
I would not have you sad for a day
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay

And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best

-Mosiah Lyman Hancock

Acknowledgments

The Draper Family wishes to offer our sincere thanks to all of our family and friends who have extended their prayers, love and support during this difficult time.