David Draper

David Milton Draper, 86, of Tahoka, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023.  He was born on May 13, 1936, to Buel and Vern (Headstream) Draper in Lubbock, Texas.

He attended Tahoka schools and graduated from Tahoka High School in 1954.  While attending Tahoka schools, he was a member of Future Farmers of America and the marching band.  During his twenties, Milt attended Tarleton State College to study agriculture and served in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.  He returned to his hometown of Tahoka and farmed for more than 40 years.  He loved woodworking, family genealogy, and reading, especially masonic history and poetry.

In 1975, Milt met and married his wife, Dorothy Wright.  They were married for 45 years.  Mrs. Draper preceded him in death on October 29, 2020.

Milt was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Tahoka and was proud to serve as a Mason for 60 years with the Tahoka Masonic Lodge.  He was very grateful to be a part of his hometown community and to count so many people in Tahoka as life-long friends.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Susan Draper of Lubbock, Amy and her husband Arvak Marshall of West River, MD; grandchildren, Caden, Ryken and Malene Marshall; sister, Nancy Turner of Granbury, Texas; his nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Mae Wright Draper; his parents, Buel and Vern Draper of Tahoka; brother, Joe Draper of Bronte, Texas.

A time of reflection and visitation for Milt will be held from 10 AM to 2 PM on Thursday, May 11, 2023, in the parlor of Grace Community Church (formerly First United Methodist Church) in Tahoka, 1801 Avenue J.  Funeral services will follow at 2 PM in the sanctuary of Grace Community Church.  Pastor Billy Everett and Reverend Jim Wright will be the officiants.  Final rites and interment, along with Masonic honors, will follow in the Nevels Memorial Cemetery under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes.

Pallbearers will be Reverend Jim Wright, Frank Aleman, Jim Wells, Davy Stone, Cal Huffaker and Andy Brown.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Grace Community Church in Tahoka, PO Box 500, Tahoka, TX 79373.