Jack Roby Draper

On November 26, 1922 Jack R. Draper was born. A loving and loyal husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa, Jack was deeply loved and a dear, dear man. He died in peace with strength after 97 years of outstanding life on July 7, 2020 in hospice care. He was the son of Cecil and Edith Draper of Caroll County, Indiana. In 1933 the family moved to East Lansing where Jack spent the rest of his entire life. His childhood residence stood on the banks of the Red Cedar River where the Kellogg Center functions today.

He married his high school sweetheart Jean Oviatt 75 years ago. He was a graduate of East Lansing High School in 1941 where he was active in athletics. From there he attended MSU and was a graduate of Albion College. An active sports booster, he became the President of Lansing's Downtown Coaches Club in 1954. In 1945 he began working at Vandervoort Sporting Goods, eventually becoming president and general manager. While at Vandervoorts, Jack introduced "Adidas" to the United States. The business had a fine orientation in selling athletic equipment to schools and colleges. Ad a devoted fan of MSU athletics he was a founding member of the Rebounders Club.

Jack was a member of Lansing Rotary Club from 1953 to this year, the longest span of any member. Rotary was his favorite event of the week. Jack enjoyed his membership and Rotary friends greatly.

His greatest joy was spending every summer "up north" at his lake cottage.

Jack lost his wife, Jean in February of this year. He really missed his "normal" life after Jean left.

Ever calm and caring, Jack will be lovingly missed by his children, Carolyn (John) Johnson of East Lansing and John (Linda) Draper of Monument, CO; grandchildren, Johnna (Hetrick) and Jenna (Michieli); great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Vera and new baby Jude.

There will be a private family service for both Jack and Jean on Friday, August 7 at 11 a.m.

View the video of the service

https://www.facebook.com/163145830381110/videos/3500883896590532/

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Rotary of Lansing Foundation, P. O. Box 13156, Lansing, MI, 48901, The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823 or the Spartan Fund.

Arrangements have been handled by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Lansing.