In Memory
Larry Lee Draper
October 23, 1937 – August 20, 2025
Larry Lee Draper, age 87, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, in his loving wife’s arms. A man of unwavering faith, Larry knew he was ready to meet the Lord, and those who loved him take comfort in knowing he is now in His presence.
Born on October 23, 1937, in Marion, Indiana, Larry was the son of Rex and Bernice Draper. He grew up in South Bend and attended Riley High School before graduating from Classen High School in Oklahoma City. He went on to attend the University of Oklahoma and returned to South Bend in 1957.
Larry proudly served in the United States Navy for two years. His professional life included roles at NIPSCO and Employers Insurance before he joined Borkholder Corporation in 1977, where he remained until his retirement in 2004.
A longtime resident of South Bend, Larry later relocated to Raleigh, NC and most recently to McKinney, Texas, where he was a cherished member of Lighthouse Church in Prosper, Texas.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Faye (Lynch) Draper. Just earlier this month, the two celebrated 25 beautiful years of marriage. When they married on August 12, 2000, Larry's life was richly blessed with three more children whom he embraced as his own: Angie (Todd) Bricker, Kate (Mike) Mauro, and Matthew (Candace) Lynch. The bond he shared with them, and their families was deep, genuine, and enduring.
He is also survived by his daughter, Cindy (Matt) Holderbaum; grandchildren Amber (Sangmin Lee), Ashley, Andrew (Sara), and Alex (Savannah) Holderbaum; and great-grandchildren Sylas, Raiden, and Charlie. Larry and his granddaughter Amber shared a particularly special and lasting connection. He was also deeply loved by Faye’s grandchildren - Ainsley, Dylan, Cameron, and Brady - who brought him great joy.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Bernice Draper; his brother, Reggie Draper; and his beloved daughter, Kris Ann, who passed away at the age of four.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. CST (11:00 a.m. EST) on Saturday, August 30, at Lighthouse Church in Prosper, Texas. Services will be live-streamed at www.lighthousentx.com.
Due to severe allergies, in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to either www.bmxlocal.org or www.communitygardenkitchen.org – both were special to Larry.
Larry was deeply loved by all who knew him - for his warmth, his faith, his sense of humor, and the way he made others feel. His memory will be cherished always.
8/27/2025 djb
|