Draper Mortuary

Personalized funeral services

We are motivated to serve each family in creating a unique and meaningful experience. Whether you are looking for a traditional funeral, cremation or customized memorial service, we are here to assist.

Draper Mortuary has 2 memorial chapels for our families to choose from—the Draper Memorial Chapel seats 200 guests while the Pearl Chapel holds up to 50 people. Additionally, our reception hall can accommodate seating for 80 guests. For evening services taking place, refreshments can be provided upon request.

As a premier service provider for the Ontario community, our families can be assured their loved one will be taken into the care of our facility and stay with us until their wishes and services have been fulfilled. Our expert team is knowledgeable in both planning ahead for your funeral needs, or any need to plan immediately.

Trusted provider

All of our services are designed to help our families through 1 of the most personal and challenging stages of life. Draper Mortuary is a member of the Dignity Memorial® network. When you choose a Dignity Memorial® provider, you not only receive the compassionate care you expect from a locally operated establishment, but also the value you deserve from the largest and most trusted network of funeral, cremation and memorialization services. Please contact us if you need immediate assistance, or if you would like more information about our services.

Community involvement

Draper Mortuary has been a member of Rotary International and the Chamber of Commerce beginning with the Draper family and continuing with the integration of new ownership and employees. We are a supporter of the Ontario Police Museum, and our manager is on its Board of Directors.

History

Draper Mortuary was founded in 1898 by James Barnum Draper.

The early years

A tailor by trade, J. B. was among the original city founders. He opened a tailor shop on Euclid Avenue in 1898 and purchased the existing funeral home next door to his store from Diebert and Geaser.

The story goes that when Mr. Diebert died, his heirs put the funeral parlor up for sale. Since J. B. had helped out at the parlor, he expressed an interest in purchasing the business, but as a tailor, didn’t have sufficient capital. Since the community respected J. B. so much, they loaned him the money to purchase the business. The firm was continuously owned and managed by the Draper family until they joined Service Corporation International in 1996.

Changing with the times

Around 1911, J. B. built a new “modern” funeral parlor in the downtown district. In 1929, the firm was incorporated in the state of California as the J. B. Draper Co. During the following years, management of the firm passed from J. B. to his son, Fred Draper, then to Fred’s son, Newman Draper, and lastly to Newman’s son, James.

In 1962, under the leadership of Newman, a new facility was built on Mountain Avenue where the current facility now operates. It is located immediately adjacent to Bellevue Memorial Park, the community’s only cemetery. James (Jim) Draper joined the firm in 1970 and was the acting manager at the time of acquisition. Jim has been active in industry and legislative affairs throughout his career.