69 year old Fairfield resident, Buddy G. Draper passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019 in rural Wayne County.
Buddy was born June 22, 1950 in Flora, Illinois to George E. and Joyce N. (Luther) Draper. Buddy started working for Reaban’s right out of high school and ended up owning and operating the Reaban’s in Newton, Illinois. He was an electrician working for Keensburg Coal Mine for twenty years. He was a member of First Christian Church in Fairfield and the American Legion. He had served in the United States Marine Corps.
Buddy is survived by his former wife, Kathy of Fairfield, a son Bryan (Lori) Draper of Clay City, daughter Lisa (Robin) Jones of Fairfield, sister-in-law Jean Draper of Mt. Vernon, one brother, George (Teresa) Draper of Fairfield and one sister, Linda (James) Hodges of Fairfield. Four grandchildren, Alec Draper, Leah Draper, Landon Draper, and Bronson Jones and several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Ray, Jerry and Robert Draper.
A graveside service will be held, Tuesday August 27, 2019 at 1:00pm at Maple Hill Cemetery. Friends and family are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Military rites will be provided by Anthony Wayne Post 176 American Legion and Wayne Memorial Post 4535 VFW. Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association or The Black Lung Association and will be accepted at the cemetery or Nale’s Funeral Home of Fairfield who are in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.nalesfuneralhome.com