Alfred Gene Draper, Janesville, WI (1927-2015)

October 1, 2015

May 29, 1927 - September 28, 2015

Alfred Gene Draper, age 88, of Janesville, died on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, at Edgerton Care Center under the care of Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on May 29, 1927, in Richland Center, WI, the son of the late Melvin and Elsie (Beckwith) Draper. Al graduated from Richland Center High School in 1945, and served in the US Marine Corps until he was honorably discharged. On Dec. 3, 1947, Al married Coraleen L. Myers in Janesville, and together they had six children. She predeceased him on July 16, 1998. Al retired from General Motors in the skilled trades, where he worked as a sign painter, painting all of the signs that the plant used. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, life member of VFW Post 1621, Janesville Masonic Center #55, GM retirees and member of the UAW Local 95. Known as the "man in the bibs," Al was a very talented artist. He was able to turn pencil sketches into company logos, signs, paintings and decorating cakes for friends and relatives to name a few. Al had an extensive collection of LP albums that he enjoyed listening to, along with an extensive collection of old movies. He was also a talented singer, and in his younger years, sang with a Barbershop Quartet and the Chorus. In 1955, the Chorus went on to win the SPEBSQSA international title. Al was a very generous and true gentleman, whose laugh and smile will be missed by those who knew him.

Alfred is survived by his children: Sandy (Wes) Meyer of Janesville, Dave (Elaine) Draper of Janesville, Steve (Diane) Draper of Janesville, Elise Draper of Lyndon Station, WI, Meledie (Greg Hinson) Meyer of Afton, and Bill (Cyndi) Draper of Oxford, MI; 17 grandchildren whom he was very proud of; and 23 great-grandchildren whom he adored. He is further survived by his half-brother, Roger (Judy) Draper of Janesville; cousins; nieces; nephews and many friends.. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his granddaughter, Bobbi Jo Jass; parents: Melvin (Florence) Draper and Elsie (Darrell) Janney; step-mother, Mabel (Erling) Lunde; and his brother, Robert Draper.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, at the WHITCOMB - LYNCH FUNERAL HOME with Rev. Bruce Jones officiating, with a luncheon to follow the service at the funeral home. Visitation will be on Friday from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. with a Masonic Service beginning at 2:30 PM. Full Military Rites will be provide by VFW Kienow - Hilt Post 1621. Memorials would be greatly appreciated if they were made in Al's name to Agrace HospiceCare or the First Presbyterian Church.

A very warm and heartfelt thank you to all of the staff at Edgerton Care Center and Agrace HospiceCare for the wonderful care given to Al. All of you are true angels!

Whitcomb - Lynch Funeral Home & Cremation Services

21 S. Austin Road, Janesville, WI (608) 752-2444