Don worked as a General Contractor and was one of the areas leading Metal Building Contractors. He was owner of Draper Steel. Don was a true cowboy. He is the arena record holder as a steer wrestler holding the fastest time in Alexandria. He was inducted into the LRCA Hall of Fame in 2016. Don especially enjoyed being a grandparent. His favorite activity was spending time with his grandchildren, taking them to Rodeo's, and going to his great grandchild's baseball games. He also loved working in the yard with his wife, and was an avid NASCAR fan. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him best and loved him most.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Draper and Lottie Mooneyham Draper; son-in-law, John Creech, daughter-in-law, Shala Draper; sister-in-law, Sue Draper.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Lolita Draper; daughters, Robin Creech, and Kimberly Draper (Brian); son, Brian Draper; step-daughter, Coleen Balbuena; grandchildren, Lauren Griffin (Justin), Cameron Draper, Skyler West, Cass Draper, Gaby Salas, and Parker Salas; great grandchild, Easton Griffin; brother, Lt. Col. Paul Draper USAF Retired. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Don will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 Pm at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 1:00 PM with Rev. Dennis Aaron officiating. Interment will take place at Centuries Memorial Park. Honoring the family as pallbearers will be Cameron Draper, Skyler West, Brian Salas, Justin Griffin, Easton Griffin, and Parker Salas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. David Abdehou for his care and concern as a physician and friend.
