Jerry Lee Draper, 76, left this life March 10, 2021 at Centerpoint Medical Center after a valiant battle with Covid-19. He was born to Wm. Fred and Faye (Rockwell) Draper on July 16, 1944 in Raytown, MO. He was the 7th of 9 children. He graduated from Galt Missouri High School in 1962. Afterwards he started college at Hannibal-LaGrange University. He soon joined the US Army and was stationed at the White House in Washington D.C. where he served until 1970. Upon moving back to Missouri, he was called to serve God as a minister. With the help of wife, Jo Lynn (Walberg) he graduated from Southwest Baptist University with degrees in Divinity, Sociology, and Psychology. He further continued his education at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He did all this while raising his family, ministering his church family at Valley Memorial Baptist Chapel in the East Bottoms of Kansas City, MO and working a full-time job as a mechanic. He was a devoted husband, father, friend and follower of Christ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, son Scott, wife Barbara (Helms), sister Lenora, and brother Dale.
He is survived by wife Jewel Ann (Woods) and his dog Harry of the home in Independence, MO; four daughters, Emalee (Rick) Sexson of Independence, MO, Toni (Lindell) Jacobs of Marceline, MO, Brenda Darby of Independence, MO, and Diane DeLong of Shirley, MA; three sons, Steve (Robin) Thomas of Holt, MO, Bryan (Barbara) Aubuchon of Maize, KS, and James (Mari) Aubuchon of Lawrence, KS; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings include Bill Draper of Trenton, MO, Geneva McCannon of Sedalia, MO, Lois (Richard) Lester of Centerview, MO, June Stubblefield of Independence, MO, Doris (Jim) McGowan of Trenton, MO and Roberta (Danny) King of Independence, MO.
