Obituary: Jerry Draper

Jerry began his working career at Pope & Talbot sawmill in Oakridge, but it wasn’t long before his true love of driving big vehicles became clear. He began his career in Blue River and his family moved often. He worked on many construction projects, including building dams in Wenatchee, jetties in Florence and working on the John Day Dam. While living in Arlington, he became the depot manager for a freight company which led him to Hood River, Oregon, in 1965 working as a local delivery driver for Sites Silver Wheel. He enjoyed his job very much; each day different, driving all over the valley and interacting with the local community. When Silver Wheel closed, he went to work for Hood River Distillers, driving truck for them, eventually moving into a job within the plant. He finished his working career there, retiring in 1999.

Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing as a younger man. His family has fond memories of rowing around Lost Lake, trolling flies to catch trout. He enjoyed being in the outdoors camping with his family and hunting mushrooms. He and Betty enjoyed spending time metal detecting at the beach and old school yards looking for lost treasures.

As he got older, his interests changed. He began woodworking and enjoyed making gifts for his family. He made lamps, wooden boxes, birdhouses, stools, tables and two special chairs for his grandsons. Betty made many of these gifts extra special by woodburning designs or scenes on each one. Jerry always wood burned his initials and date made into each piece — a nice reminder for family members. He also enjoyed learning about and collecting coins.

Jerry liked to stay close to home but did enjoy many trips with Betty and their poodle, Misty, in their camp trailer. They especially enjoyed the Oregon coast and Maryhill area in Washington. They enjoyed taking their bicycles, putting Misty in the basket and going for rides in the campgrounds or at home in their neighborhood. During family gatherings, Jerry enjoyed playing cards and, especially, dominoes.

Jerry is survived by his three children and their spouses, Cindy and Bill Strom, Rick and JanMarie Draper and Penny and Don Phelps. Jerry has three grandsons, Ryan and Mark Strom and Danny Phelps; and two great-grandsons, Declan and Jensen Phelps. He is also survived by his younger brother, Mel, of Oakridge. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Betty.

His family was special to him and they will miss him. At Jerry’s request there will be no services. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.