Draper, Douglas G.

Douglas Draper
Wednesday October 20, 2021.
Beloved husband of the late Adele L. Draper (nee Wurdack); loving father of Sheree (Mark) Mason, Kelly (Steve Horn) Draper, Wendy (Randy) Harr and the late Mark Draper; adoring grandfather of Sara, Matthew, Ian and great-grandfather of Adele, Andrew and Clara; dear companion of Marsha Brady. Our dearest brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Doug was born the son of Canadian immigrants, Percy and Nora Draper. Growing up as a child of the Depression instilled a strong drive to succeed and for self-improvement. This was first apparent in high school where he was voted “Best Dressed” and began his lifelong interest in weightlifting, gymnastics and bodybuilding. While in school, he won the state gymnastics championship on the pommel horse. After high school, while painting his parents’ home, a
friend passed by and Doug asked him where he was going. He replied that he was on his way to the Navy recruiter. With that, Doug set down his paintbrush and said, “I’m coming with you.” His mother was not pleased. In the Navy, he served as a hospital corpsman in San Diego which prepared him for a job as a lab technician with Adam’s Dairy when he returned. In 1952 he married Adele Wurdack with whom he had four children. His in-laws operated a title company and within a few years, he began working for them which set him on the path to co-founding Hillsboro Title Company in 1972. The company grew rapidly, providing excellent service in a growing county. Doug was known as someone of great integrity, whose word was his bond. Often, his business associates became more than mere associates but friends as well, winning them over with his sense of humor and loyalty. He retired from the title business in 2001 and sold Hillsboro Title but not being one to sit still for long, he continued working in real estate and was active in the Rotary
Club.

Doug’s other lifelong passion was sailing. He was introduced to it by a friend in 1961 and shortly thereafter built his very first boat, a Y Flyer. When Carlyle Lake opened for sailing in 1971, he joined the Carlyle Sailing Association and earned a reputation as a competitive and winning captain. In the late 90s, he joined a ski club as a way of staying active during the sailing off season. A longtime acquaintance, Marsha Brady, was also a member of the ski club and with their mutual interests in skiing and travel, they developed an enduring 17-year relationship.

Donations may be made to: Carlyle Youth Sailing School
C/O Ted Beier
5614 Rosa Ave
St. Louis, MO. 63109

Services: Memorial visitation at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry 63129 on Friday, November 5 from 4-8 pm. Inurnment at J.B. National Cemetery
will be held in private.