Thomas H. Draper Held Air Medals

Thomas H. Draper, 41, World War II navy hero and prominent St. Joseph churchman, died suddenly Wednesday at 11 p.m. at his home, 824 Lewis ave.

During World War II, Mr. Dra per was a U.S. Navy pilot and winner of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.

Since the end of the war, he had been a sales engineer for Backer-Ward, Inc., of South Bend, Ind.

In 1954 Mr Draper was worshipful master of the St. Joseph lodge No. 437 F. & A.M.

He was a trustee of the First Methodist church and a lay leader of the church. He was a past president of the High Twelve club.

Born Nov. 13, 1918 in Marshalltown, la., he was married Nov. 10, 1946 to the former Ruth Mitchell of St. Joseph, daughter of Fire Chief W. Hudson Mitchell.

Mr. Draper is survived by his wife; two sons, Tommy, 11, and Randy, 8; his mother, Mrs Thomas Draper, Marshalltown, Iowa; a sister, Mrs. R. D. Snyder, Marshalltown, Iowa; and a brother, James O. Draper, Battle Creek.

Friends may call at the Kerlikowske funeral home beginning this evening and until 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 pm. at the First Methodist church, the Rev. Keith Hayes officiating. The casket will remain closed at the church.

The Herald-Press, Saint Joseph, Michigan, 19May1960

Thomas H Draper, The Herald-Press, Saint Joseph, Michigan, 19May1960

Thomas Hantford Draper, Jr. (1918)