Obituary: DRAPER, WILLARD

Willard (Bill) Dorman DraperMay 9, 1926-Oct. 10, 2012"Bill" Willard Dorman Draper, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend passed away peacefully on October 10, 2012 in California. Bill was born to Darman Doyle Draper & Bessie Hill Draper on May 9, 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah.He grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from West High. Bill served his country as a naval officer in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war he met and married Zola G. Higgs on January 18, 1947 in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were later sealed in Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Bill was a joy and a comfort to all those who knew him. His children and grand-children often turned to him for advice. He was a craftsman with wood, making heirlooms for family and friends. He loved gardening, music, singing, reading, his dogs, but more than anything else he loved his family.Bill worked as a mechanical engineer for 45 years and as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, served in numerous capacities including Bishop of the Santa Barbara 3rd ward, Stake High Counselor, and for many years as a beloved patriarch of the Santa Barbara, California stake. Survived by wife of 65 years, Zola Draper, Azusa, CA; and children Marjorie Baggett (Van, deceased), Davie, FL; Virginia Robinson (Dean), Mesa, AZ; David Draper (Debbie), New Market, MD; Dorothy Epperson (Bruce), Upland, CA; Mary Bradler (Bob), Denver, CO, Willard Draper (Kristen), Stevensons Ranch, CA; twenty-five grandchildren, and twenty-eight great-grand children. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Yorgansen (WY).Preceded in death by parents and brother, Robert Draper.A viewing will be held Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, UT 84092 from 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Graveside service will immediately follow. Internment Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.