Melvin Draper

Melvin Lewis Draper of West Jordan, Utah passed away Saturday, April 8th at the age of 69. Mel was born June 20, 1953 to Ray and Wanda Peck Draper. He grew up in Midvale and attended Hillcrest High School where he met Terry Andersen. Melvin and Terry were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 8, 1972. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last September.

Mel attended Brigham Young University and completed the BYU Pathway program last year. Mel worked at Beuhner Concrete for 20 years followed by Kennecott Copper for another 24 years. He enjoyed four years of retirement.

Mel was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings including the Bishop of the Kearns 21st Ward. For the last 13 years Mel served as a temple worker in the Oquirrh Mountain temple.

Since high school, Mel had a love for playing golf. His favorite hole to play was hole #4 at Palisade Golf Course. Mel also enjoyed fishing, gardening, caring for his yard, and cheering on his favorite sports teams. He taught his kids the importance of hard work. He loved supporting his grandkids in their many interests. Mel will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Mel is survived by his wife, Terry Draper, their children Raelyn (Russell) Park, Cystalee Draper, Laura Draper, Jaron (Kellianne) Draper, Brian (Amber) Draper, Nathan (Linsie) Draper, CJ (Britanie) Draper, and 20 wonderful grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray & Wanda Draper, and his sisters, Shauna McNeill and Cheryl Hickenlooper.

Mel’s family would like to thank the ICU staff at Jordan Valley Hospital and the doctors and nurses at Utah Valley Specialty Hospital for the care they provided over the last month.

A viewing will be held at Goff Mortuary on Thursday, April 13th from 6-8 pm (8090 S. State Street, Midvale, UT 84047). Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 14th at 11 am preceded by an additional viewing from 10-10:45 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (5349 W. 9000 S., West Jordan, UT 84081). Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, UT 84092).