Charles Athel Draper of Crawford, Texas and formally of Blue, Oklahoma and Crane, Texas passed away on May 17, 2024, at the age of 89. Charles was born on October 16, 1934, in Caddo, Oklahoma to parents Asa W. and Velma Draper. After graduating from high school, Charles proudly served his Country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He served from 1952 to 1956 and was Honorably Discharged. He married Mary Etta Foote on June 23, 1957, and they were united in marriage just shy of 62 years until Mary’s passing on May 2, 2019. He was a plant operator for El Paso Natural Gas for 35 years until his retirement and he was of the Baptist faith; a Mason and he enjoyed stock market trading and being around his family.
Charles is preceded in death by his wife Mary Etta Draper; parents Asa W. Draper and Velma Welch Chapman Reese; sisters Jouree Tucker and Patricia Stark and brother-in-law Junior Tucker.
Charles is survived by his sons Dewayne Draper and wife Toni of Crawford, TX and Tooter Draper and wife Sheila of Cisco, TX; daughter Kelly Howard of Tulsa, OK; grandsons Marcus Draper and wife Whitnie, Ryan Draper and wife Tifani, and Heath Draper and wife Cassidy; granddaughters Allison Mayfield and husband Critter, Stephanie Draper, and Kailey Howard; great grandchildren Madyson Draper, Adysen, Avery and Conor Mayfield, and Faith, Pyper, and Brooks Draper and numerous extended family and friends.
Graveside memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Highland Cemetery pavilion in Durant, OK.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral Service and Crematory.
