Charles Draper

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Charles Thomas Draper was welcomed into the arms of his Savior on December 3rd, 2024, in Gainesville, Texas, at the age of 85. He was born on April 6th, 1939, in Memphis, Texas, to Marjorie and Tom Draper.

Charles graduated from Amarillo High School in 1957 and played on State Championship Sandie baseball teams. He attended Texas Tech University on a Track Scholarship, was the Team Captain in 1961 and held the school record in the half mile. Charles was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and maintained contact with his brothers throughout his life. He graduated from Texas Tech in 1962 with a BBA. He was proud to be a Sandie and a Red Raider. Charles received his MBA from the University of Denver.

Charles married Linda Wetzel on May 26th, 1962, in Sherman, Texas. They were married for 62 years, living in Michigan, Alabama, South Dakota, Colorado, Iowa, Ohio and California. They never wanted to leave the places they lived and the many friends they made at each stop when it was time to move to a new state.

He served his country in the Air Force from 1962-1970, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. Charles and Linda moved to Gainesville in 1970 to work for Southland Paint. In 1992, Charles went to work for Gainesville National Bank (GNB) where he remained until his retirement.

Charles and Linda were long-time members of Whaley United Methodist Church. Charles was also active in the community where he served on the Gainesville ISD School Board, the NCTC Board of Trustees and the Gainesville City Council. He served as President of the Cooke County United Way, the Boys and Girls Club of Cooke County, the Rotary Club of Gainesville, the Cooke County Chapter of the Texas Tech Alumni Association, and was on the National Board of the Texas Tech Alumni Association. Charles received several honors during his life including the Athletic Heritage Award from Texas Tech. His favorite award was the planting of the tree on the Gainesville’s Heroes Walking Trail in honor of Charles and Linda as “Hometown Heroes”. His favorite title was “Pops”.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter Andrea Pembroke (David), son Kyle Draper (Sandi), Arthur (AJ) Johnson and beloved dog Marley. Grandchildren: Brandi Miller (Cason), Brooke Lewis (fiancé Michael Clare), Carson Draper (Caitlin), Ashleigh Weintraub (Vance) and Dylan Pembroke (Olivia). Great grandchildren: Mylie Miller, Willa Weintraub and Tripp Miller. In addition to his sister, Phoebe Webb (Coyt), he is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Mr. Draper was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nancy Gibson and brother-in-law Mike Gibson.

Serving as pallbearers are Carson Draper, Arthur Johnson, Cason Miller, Michael Clare, Ray Nichols, David Moore and Ron Mercer. Honorary pallbearers are Mack Barnhart, Ronnie Herr, Doyle Roberts, Bill Shortnacy, Guy George, and John Morris.

A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Whaley United Methodist Church, Gainesville, TX. The family will receive friends during a reception following the funeral in the fellowship hall. At a later date, Mr. Draper will be laid to rest at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, TX. Arrangements have been entrusted to Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home, Gainesville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Whaley United Methodist Church or the Boys and Girls Club of Cooke County.  You may register your condolences online at www.geojcarroll.com.

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