George Marvin Draper
George Marvin Draper, 81, of Bethalto, passed away Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
He was born Jan. 12, 1933, in Anamosa, Iowa, son of the late Lon and Icye (Gholson) Draper. He married Patricia A. (Durham) Draper on Oct. 20, 1951, in Alton.
George graduated from Civic Memorial High School in 1951 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-1957. He worked for Laclede Steel in Alton from 1951-1997, starting as a laborer and retiring as Manager of Labor Relations. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton and formerly had been a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto for more than 25 years. George was also a member of the Bethalto Knights of Columbus Council No. 4688, where he was a 3rd degree Knight, past Chancellor, and Grand Knight. He served on the Bethalto School Board for more than 15 years.
George enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and gardening. He also enjoyed sports, whether it be a Cardinal game or Little League, the Rams or a Friday night high school game. He loved flying out West and to Alaska and Canada with his brother, Jim, and always looked forward to their annual trips. However, his greatest joy was spending time at home with family and close friends. He was also a great animal lover.
George is survived by his wife, Patricia, as well as their daughter, Melissa; son-in-law, Jim Lynch, and grandson, Daniel Draper Lynch of Alton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lon and Icye Draper; and brother, James M. Draper.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton with Fr. Jim Walther, O.M.V., celebrating.
Memorials may be made to Hope Animal Rescues, Alton 5A’s, and The Tree House.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.