Ray Draper

Ray Willard Draper was born on March 25, 1937, in Kent, Oklahoma.  He departed this life on January  26, 2023. He was the eldest son of five children to the late Clara Washington Draper and Timothy Draper.  He accepted Christ at an early age and continued to be a God fearing man who attended King Baptist Church for over 50 years.

Ray met the love of his life, Donna Jean Sudduth.  After a short courtship, they were married on October 3, 1964. To this union, two children were born, Andre and Cheryl.  They were married fifty-six years before Donna preceded him in death in 2021.

Ray was a dedicated worker and employed as a supervisor at Denver City and County Solid Waste for 38 years.  Ray loved his family and was so neighborly to his community.  He knew everyone on the block. After he retired, Ray would go door-to-door to let the neighbors know it was street sweeping day and to move their cars to avoid a ticket.  That was Ray - compassionate, resourceful, intelligent, and strong.  A true vessel of God with a meaningful understanding that a man of God’s obligation is to provide shelter, food, clothing and protection to those around him.  He was also a well-known businessman in Park Hill. His contribution to fair housing practices for his community will forever be appreciated and never be forgotten by his tenants, friends and community.  Ray not only met that obligation, but also passed those morals and values down to his son Andre Draper Sr, and his grandson Andre Draper II, so they could grow and become the men of God they are supposed to be.

Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He also was a long-standing member of Colorful Colorado Classic Car Club and Rocky Mountain RV Rollers. His 1970 Deuce and Quarter Buick (Electra 225) was his prize possession. After restoring it to exactly like he wanted, he loved Sunday drives and car shows. He also pleasured in taking road trips with Donna and the RV club.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Draper; parents, Clara Washington Draper and Timothy Draper; brother, Carl Draper and sister, Lorraine Draper Chambers.

Those left to cherish his precious memories are his son, Andre (Rauna) Draper, Sr., Denver, Colorado and daughter, Cheryl (Quentin) Lyons, Sr., Grand Prairie, Texas; grandchildren, Andre (Kayla Lynch) Draper II, Aurora, Colorado, Lynnikka Draper, Bronx, New York, and Quentin Lyons, II, Grand Prairie, Texas; great-grandchildren D'arie Draper, Andre Draper III (aka, so affectionally called, “Mr. Draper”), Kyrin Woods, brothers Billy Draper Sr. and Jerry Draper, closest friends, Ronnie Anderson, Levi Franklin, Mr. Harvey, Reverends West and Honeycutt, King Baptist Church family, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Truly, Ray Willard Draper had a life well lived. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16

Rest In Paradise Ray Willard Draper.

Life’s race well run. Life’s work well done.

Life’s crown well won. And now he rests.