George Ned Draper

Our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Great Great Grandfather George Ned Draper, 81, passed away on September 2, 2016 in Sarasota Florida. He was born on December 6, 1934 in Rock Island Illinois to George and Helen Ankey Draper. George grew up in Rock Island, Illinois. When finishing school, he joined the United States Air Force on November 1st 1951 and served for 21 years. He had several tours overseas and served in the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of many awards and metals. He was retired in October 1, 1972 achieving the rank of Tech Sergeant at Moody Air Force base, Valdosta GA. He quickly became owner of his own restaurants and managed Pizza Villa and Taco Villa in Valdosta GA He later moved his family to Henderson Nevada and set his final roots in Sarasota Florida where he remained retired for many years. George married Carole Frances Lebsock in 1966 in Rockford Illinois. They were happily married for 50 years. He was a man who loved and honored his country and his family. George recently celebrated a wonderful 50th Anniversary event with his wife Carole and he made a grand entrance after fighting a battle of cancer for several years. He was able to express his everlasting love for his beloved wife Carole and was able to tell everyone how proud and honored he was to be a part of their lives. He certainly did it “his way” George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Helen Draper, his brother Robert Draper, his sisters Dorothy Graff and Ruth Pagnillo. George is survived by his wife Carole of Milwaukee Wisconsin, his sons and daughters: George, Michelle and Vicky Draper, Denise Kettner, Deborah Jones, Donald (Laurie) and Henry (Jenny) Delesandro. His brother and sisters: James (Joyce) Draper, Helen Crawford and Beulah Barnes. His 14 grandchildren: Elizabeth (Victor), Jaime (Michael), Frances (Michael), Anthony (Ann Marie), Ryan (Leslie), Nicholas (Leigh), Amanda, Nicole, Lindsey, Ashley, Christina (Blake), Tyron, Alexis and Holley. His 13 great-grandchildren: Lauren (Keegan) , Mason, Taylor, Trent, Ryan B, Olivia, Dakota, Mia Bella, Sean, Delaney, Mattie, Eli and Joleigh. His one great-great grandchild: Kaedon. He also leaves behind his lovely nieces and nephews who he loved so much. The Memorial and Burial will be at Sarasota National Cemetery 9810 State Road 72 Sarasota Fl. 34241 on September 23, 2016 @ 1:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately after the memorial at Esplanade by Siesta Key 2565 Vaccaro Drive Sarasota Fl. 34231.