James Craig “Dipe” Draper was born October 3, 1950 in Payson, Utah to Wendell James Draper and MaryLou McClellan Draper. He was the oldest child and had a special bond with his brother and sister.
Craig passed away, with his loving family by his side, on April 13, 2022 at the age of 71 in Payson, Utah, from the debilitating effects of dementia.
He lived in, and loved Payson his entire life. He met with his friends often to play baseball or basketball and he had a wicked 15-foot jump shot.
His schooling included graduating from Payson High School and then attending Dixie College and Brigham Young University.
From a very young age he enjoyed thoroughbred horse racing with his dad and Uncle Glade. He had a passion for the horses his entire life and passed that love down to his own children.
Things changed when he met the love of his life Annette Hone at the Saturday night bowling dance in Payson. They dated for 2 ½ years and were married October 29, 1971. A milestone was reached recently when they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were sealed in the Provo Temple on October 31, 1972. It was a blessing to become the parents of four children, Jeremy, Kara, Jesse and Kylee, and they are now proud grandparents.
He was a member of the Jaycees, and was involved in all volunteer projects to benefit the city and its citizens.
He worked at Geneva Steel until it closed and then he worked as a custodian in the Nebo School District and retired as the head custodian at the Brockbank elementary school where he made many friends.
Membership in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was important to Craig and he held many different positions throughout his life. He was right there to support any ward or stake assignments and was willing to assist his wife with whatever she needed for her callings.
Golf was a sport he enjoyed, especially in the later years and he loved the association he had with his golfing buddies. Thanks to them for making his life more fun.
Family was the most important aspect of his life. He loved each and every member. If the kids or grandkids were involved in sports or any other activity, they could be sure Craig would be there to support them.
People enjoyed being around him because of his calm demeanor and his friendly smile. If anyone needed anything, whether he knew them or not, he was willing to lend a helping hand. To be a friend and to have a friend is a blessing that goes two ways, and Craig had many.
Surviving him are his wife, Annette, his children, Jeremy (Holly) Draper, Salem, UT, Kara Bott (Don Rasmussen), Spanish Fork, UT, Jesse (Melissa) Draper, Toquerville, UT and Kylee (Craig) Marvin, Santaquin , UT, his sister Sandra (Reid) Nelson, Salem, UT, 16 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and two grand-dogs.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Scott Draper.
The family would like to express their thanks to ICare Hospice Care, especially Bonnie Ballard Valdez, Cory and Bert, and Dr. Garry Miller for his assistance through the years. Thanks to the Nebo School District employees who reached out. A special thanks to Darrell and Charlotte Johnson, Betty Ludwig, Chad and Tyler Hulet, Valerie Massey and Connie Fisher. You’ll never know how much you helped and the family wants to express their appreciation for all you did.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, April 19, 2022 from 6 – 8pm at Walker Funeral Home 587 South 100 West Payson, Utah. Additional viewing Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 9:30 – 10:30 at the 16th ward church 650 W 800 S, Payson, UT with the funeral to follow at 11:00. Interment will be at the Payson City Cemetery.
Livestream – Craig Draper
5 Condolences for Craig Draper
Condolences(5)
Alison says
April 15, 2022 at 8:41 pmTo the draper family, we are so sorry about the loss Craig. He always treated Craig and me so good. I’ll never forget his giant smile and quiet nature. Craig will treasure the many memories they made together. I hope you are feeling love and peace at this difficult time. We adore your family and are thinking about you.
Bruce Hall says
April 16, 2022 at 9:09 pmSad about Dipe. He did not deserve his affliction. Looking at the photos of his life, I could tell the ones taken after the effects of dementia had begun to alter his life. But even in many of those pictures, Dipe could still show his warm and genuine smile. Condolences to Annette and Family.
Bob Beagley says
April 17, 2022 at 6:48 pmSo sad to hear that Craig has passed away. I have lost a good friend. We rode to Geneva steel together and worked at Geneva together for many years, this was a good time because Craig made it good his friendship is something that I will never forget! Thanks Craig. The good Lord will bless your family in your absence. Just remember that the our father in Heaven is real and does love each and everyone of us.
Karl Shuler says
April 17, 2022 at 8:16 pmSo sorry for your loss. I think of “Dipe” as one of my very best friends ever. We were together all through high school and were roommates for a good share of our time at Dixie. He always had a smile and made life fun. We played basketball together in church ball, college intramural, and city league, where we won many tournaments, mainly because of his shooting. I have so many great memories of our time together.
Russell Hanson & Family says
April 18, 2022 at 1:55 amSorry for your loss Jeremy, Kara and family. Dipe was just a great guy all around. I enjoyed playing golf with him and my dad and their gang once in a while and getting to know him over time. He was a great friend to my dad. My dad talked a lot about how hard it was this past few years playing golf together and seeing him get ill. The “bruin” said “he was just one of the guys. A good golfing buddy and poker player”. Hang in there!
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