Berry Wayne Draper

SPEARSVILLE, LA - Berry Wayne Draper, 75, passed away on March 25, 2013. An Arkansas native, Berry was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Rowena Draper; sister, Helen Halligan; and wife of 48 years, Barbara Littlepage Draper.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of five years, Marie Crow Draper; two children and their spouses, Paula and J. Mark Miller and Jason and Gillian Draper; four grandchildren that he adored, Kayla and Amanda Miller and Megan and Caden Draper; two sisters, Kate Apple and Linda Everley; one brother, James Draper; and beloved nieces and nephews. When Berry married Marie, his love and family grew to include three new children and their spouses, Kathy and Dwain Wilemon, Kevin and Jennifer Crow, and Karla and Randy Hays, and their families.

Berry served in the United States Army in the early 1960s and served as a White House Communication Agent in Washington DC during the term of President John F. Kennedy. Berry worked as a machinist at the El Dorado Foundry in El Dorado, Arkansas for over 25 years before he retired. After Berry retired, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and was known throughout the community for his barbeque.

The family will receive friends 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Canaan Baptist Church, Spearsville, Louisiana; the memorial service will begin at 1 p.m.; interment will follow at Canaan Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Foundation.

You may offer condolences and sign the on-line guest book by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com