John T. Drafts

John graduated from Lexington High School in 1944 and went on to join the U.S. Army in 1945. He also graduated from Clemson College in 1951 with a B.S. Degree in Architectural Engineering. He entered the U.S. Airforce in June of 1951. He began working for Jesse W. Wessinger as an architect in April of 1953, and partnered with Wessinger in 1958 creating the firm Wessinger and Drafts. He also partnered with Craig Jumper and retired in 1998 as president of the firm Drafts and Jumper.

John was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher, church council member, and building community member. John built all of the chancel furnishings and rails for the church. He was also a member of the American Institute of Architects, a Charter President for Cayce-West Columbia Sertoma Club, and a member of the Lions Club.

John married Norene Bouknight on June 17, 1951. While married and in the Air Force, he lived several places in the United States including San Antonio, Texas, Mascouta, Missouri, Grove Port, Ohio, and Lexington, South Carolina. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and model railroading.

He is survived by his children, Carol Sandusky (Mike) and Amy Robson (Jeff); six grandchildren, Jennifer Jones, Paul Boltjes, Kyle Sandusky, Allen Robson, Ryan Sandusky, and Bryan Robson; along with 10 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Janet Boltjes.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church, 226 Corley Mill Rd, Lexington, SC 29072, with visitation to follow.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church – Facilities Fund.