Obituary for Lewis Draper
Lewis Draper, 85, of Franklin, NC entered into his eternal heavenly home with our Lord and Savior March 15, 2021. He passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife of 63 years, Erna Draper after a battle with Dementia.
Born in Bassett, VA, January 4, 1936, Lew began his journey and lifelong walk with his Lord and Savior at an early age. He began his studies at Columbia Bible College in Columbia, SC in 1953 where he met his future wife, Erna. They were married upon his graduation in 1958 and continued their studies in Dallas, TX at Southwestern Theological Seminary from 1958 until 1961 where he graduated with a Master’s degree.
The following year, in 1962, their first son, David was born and two short years later followed his brother, Dan Draper. The family’s loving life together, in addition to Lew’s pastoral leadership at several churches, also included missionary work overseas where they carried the gospel to many that were in need.
Lew was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He took much pride in raising his sons and had great enjoyment of his grandchildren through the years. Never the shy type, Lew had a quiet sense of humor that could disarm even the hardest of hearts instantly. Often this included an introduction to “pig latin” or his uncanny impression of Donald Duck for all the children to enjoy.
When he was not teaching, he was learning; a voracious reader and an expert study in both the New Testament as well as the Old Testament, with his favorite chapter being Proverbs 3, which teaches to trust in the Lord, and you will find both wisdom and peace.
He was always leading people to the Bible and its teachings. He was a natural protector and a mediator to help bridge the unknown with faith and love. Known for his gentle cadence and peaceful soul he never met a stranger. He used every opportunity to witness to people and made sure they knew they were no longer a stranger, but now a friend.
He is survived by his life-long love and wife, Erna Draper, his son David Draper and wife April and son Gabe, son Daniel Draper and wife Lauren, daughters Dani and Raleigh, and son Dawson. Also, his brother, John Draper and wife June and sister-in-law Yvonne Wingate and nephew Todd Wingate and his wife Brittany. He is preceded in death by his father, John Jefferson Draper, and his mother Lorraine Juanita Cox Draper.
In closing, to celebrate Lew and his life, Proverbs 3 verse 1:
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life they will add to you.”
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the hospice center that so lovingly and faithfully helped Lew transition peacefully over the final weeks of his life. The family is eternally grateful.
Four Seasons Hospice
Four Seasons Foundation
211 N. Main St
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-513-2440
https://fourseasons.teleioscn.org
Born in Bassett, VA, January 4, 1936, Lew began his journey and lifelong walk with his Lord and Savior at an early age. He began his studies at Columbia Bible College in Columbia, SC in 1953 where he met his future wife, Erna. They were married upon his graduation in 1958 and continued their studies in Dallas, TX at Southwestern Theological Seminary from 1958 until 1961 where he graduated with a Master’s degree.
The following year, in 1962, their first son, David was born and two short years later followed his brother, Dan Draper. The family’s loving life together, in addition to Lew’s pastoral leadership at several churches, also included missionary work overseas where they carried the gospel to many that were in need.
Lew was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He took much pride in raising his sons and had great enjoyment of his grandchildren through the years. Never the shy type, Lew had a quiet sense of humor that could disarm even the hardest of hearts instantly. Often this included an introduction to “pig latin” or his uncanny impression of Donald Duck for all the children to enjoy.
When he was not teaching, he was learning; a voracious reader and an expert study in both the New Testament as well as the Old Testament, with his favorite chapter being Proverbs 3, which teaches to trust in the Lord, and you will find both wisdom and peace.
He was always leading people to the Bible and its teachings. He was a natural protector and a mediator to help bridge the unknown with faith and love. Known for his gentle cadence and peaceful soul he never met a stranger. He used every opportunity to witness to people and made sure they knew they were no longer a stranger, but now a friend.
He is survived by his life-long love and wife, Erna Draper, his son David Draper and wife April and son Gabe, son Daniel Draper and wife Lauren, daughters Dani and Raleigh, and son Dawson. Also, his brother, John Draper and wife June and sister-in-law Yvonne Wingate and nephew Todd Wingate and his wife Brittany. He is preceded in death by his father, John Jefferson Draper, and his mother Lorraine Juanita Cox Draper.
In closing, to celebrate Lew and his life, Proverbs 3 verse 1:
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life they will add to you.”
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the hospice center that so lovingly and faithfully helped Lew transition peacefully over the final weeks of his life. The family is eternally grateful.
Four Seasons Hospice
Four Seasons Foundation
211 N. Main St
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-513-2440
https://fourseasons.teleioscn.org