Richard Edward Draper

Richard Edward Draper, age 95, passed away the morning of Wednesday, January 15, 2025 in his Fountain Green home of 70 years where his daughter Kathryn was caring for him. Richard “Dick” was born November 29, 1929 in Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete County, Utah in his grandparents’ home to Iona Seely Draper and Aury Henry Draper of Fountain Green, the oldest of three children. At the time of his death, Dick was Fountain Green City’s Oldest Lifetime Resident.

Dick was educated in Fountain Green schools and graduated from Moroni High in 1948. He met his soul mate on a “blind date” and after a two-year courtship married Marilyn Miller of Nephi on January 12, 1951 in the Manti Utah LDS Temple. The “To My Wife” greeting cards allowed him to express unspoken heart-felt feelings. His heart was broken when she passed away unexpectedly. They enjoyed being “one” for 65 years.

Two months after their marriage, he began his military service in the US Army-Korean War receiving basic training at Fort Lewis, WA and Fort Bliss in El Paso. In early 1952, Pfc R Draper was transferred to 6th Army Headquarters in Presidio (San Francisco) assigned to the anti-aircraft unit/motor pool. Dick was released with honors March 1953 and returned to Utah. Through the years he continued his comradery with a fellow solider. 

Dick and Marilyn purchased their home in Fountain Green in 1954. Soon he received an invitation to work in the automobile industry and with that he built a 30+year career as a respected Parts and Service Manager for three Nephi dealerships (Nephi Chevrolet, Greenwood Service and Painter Motors). He received many accolades citing that his experience and expertise brought satisfaction to his customers and profit to his dealerships. His service oriented, knowledgeable and amiable character towards everyone formed many longtime friendships. 

Dick was a loyal member of the Juab County Search and Rescue Patrol for over 40 years and held several leadership positions including commander. He was committed to the organization and involved in its trainings and activities. It was rare he would turn down an assignment for crowd control or car parking during the Ute Stampede or patrolling the Little Sahara Sand Dunes.

Dick had a talent of repairing vehicles, remodeling their home, erecting backyard structures and taking on the role of “fix-it” man all of which required the appropriate tools for each job. Except for his last year, he started up the riding lawn mower to cutdown his yard of weeds. 

While raising two children, Dick and Marilyn supported each other in church service callings: Cub Scout leaders (10 yrs), Ward Head Librarians (22) and Stake Church Service Missionaries (4.5). Membership in the Red Cliff Chiefs Good Sams Club-Nephi Chapter allowed them to enjoy their travel trailer with opportunities to serve and form friendships. 

As long-time residents of Fountain Green they assisted in the annual Lamb Day Breakfast and Parade. Their two grandkids often spent Julys in Fountain Green thus creating memories. 

Throughout his life, Dick exhibited a meek, unassuming and kind demeanor. There would be times, however, he would speak up and reveal his sense of humor. His daughter especially appreciated this trait when he sensed there was a need to lighten-up a serious moment. 

Dick is survived by his daughter Kathryn, a son Steven (Susan) and grandchildren Chris (Cassie) Draper, Camille (Pete) Couture, great-grandchildren Haidenne, Gwen, Elliot, Addy and Bethany, sister JoAnn Deans (Boyd), sister-in-law Florence Howarth, nieces and nephews and many longtime friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, parents and sister Mary Lamb Nielsen. 

Funeral Services will be held at the Fountain Green LDS Church, 151 South 200 West, on Friday, January 24 at 11:00 am following a viewing at 10:00 am in the Relief Society Room. Prior to the Friday services, friends are invited to visit with the family at the Anderson Funeral Home, 94 W 300 N, Nephi, Utah on Thursday evening, January 23 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

The service will be livestreamed on the Anderson Funeral Home Facebook Page at the following link: 

https://www.facebook.com/people/Anderson-Funeral-Home/100068057016733/

(The livestream video will appear when the service starts.)