Cecil Lee Draper passed away on April 22, 2008 at his residence in Gainesville, Missouri. He was 72 years, 8 months, and 6 days old. He was born on August 16, 1935 to John Elrod and Virginia Ruth (Harlinger) Draper in Madisonville, Missouri.
In 1943 the Draper family moved from Madisonville to Whittier, California. Cecil attended and graduated from Whittier High School in June 1953. After graduation, Cecil attended San Bernardino Valley College, where he played college football for two years. Cecil joined the U.S. Navy in 1955, where he played another two years of football.
Cecil married Kay Francis Sullivan on June 17, 1955. To this union were born three children, John Lee, Julie Ann, and Joyce Lynn Draper.
Cecil had a very active career in the U.S. Navy, serving his country in the Vietnam War and being stationed all over the world, in places like the Philippine Islands; Japan; Naples, Italy; Portland, Oregon; Washington, DC, and numerous other places. He retired from the Navy on January 16, 1975.
Shortly after, Cecil and Kay moved to the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, where they built a beautiful log cabin on one of Ozark County's tallest hills. Over the years they hosted 10 foreign exchange students. In 1991 they hosted Mikiko Yoshida, who is considered to be their 4th child.
In addition to his wife Kay and their three children, Cecil is survived by a sister, Sherry Cady, ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and countless friends and neighbors.
The family wishes to express a special thanks to Ray and Karen Jones; Bill and Nadine, Brett and Melanie Cook for their generous hospitality.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 25, 2008 @ 10 AM at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville with Pam Ekey officiating. Interment was in Gainesville Cemetery with the Military Honor Team present.