Loyd Draper

Loyd LaVern Draper, 83, longtime resident of Nowata, and former minister at First Christian Church, Nowata, passed away in Tulsa Oklahoma, Sunday June 22, 2014. He was born April 16, 1931 in Perry, Oklahoma to Loyd William and Velva Mae (Camp) Draper. LaVern graduated from Perry High School. After completing his education, he married the love of his life Edwadean Branstine on June 29, 1958 in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Over his 53 year career, he served as a minister at First Christian Churches in Broken Bow, Holdenville, Nowata, Sayre, Henryetta, and Altus, all in Oklahoma. He finished his career at the First Christian Church in Spearman, Texas. LaVern held several leadership positions with the First Christian Church Association. He was named Rural Minister of the Year by Progressive Farmer Magazine, and originated church services in Beaver's Bend State Park. The crown of his lifelong ministry was the scholarship established in his name by the First Christian Church of Nowata for the Phillips Theological Seminary. After retirement he moved to Nowata where he lived with his wife. He was very civic minded and had a passion for caring for his church families as well as the communities he served in. He was a member of the Lions Club and also served as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America. He received the Boy Scouts President's Award as a Scoutmaster in 1972. Lavern enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading and was an avid horseman. He liked to watch sports and supported the OSU Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Above all he did for others LaVern's heart was with his family. He would drive all over the state going to his daughters' sporting events and other competitions. He loved caring for his wife, children, and grandchildren. They and all his friends will dearly miss him. Pastor Draper is survived by his wife Edwadean Draper of the home; two children, Susan and husband Brad Vincent of Bartlesville and Robbie and husband Tony Scott of Nowata; a sister, Willa Blankenship of Norman; a brother in law, Ben R. Wood of Harlington, TX; four grandchildren, Josh Vincent, Levi Vincent, Chrissy Scott, Mark Scott; two great granddaughters, Adison Fenner, Avery Vincent and their mother, Chelsea Fenner; one expected great grandson of Chrissy Scott and Adam Hewett. He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Roberta Wood; a brother-in-law, Bill Blankenship. Memorial services are to be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 26, 2014 at the First Christian Church of Nowata with Pastor Rob Crawford officiating. Benjamin Funeral Service of Nowata is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com. Memorials in his name may be made to the LaVern Draper Scholarship Fund in care of the First Christian Church of Nowata.

Service Details

Thursday, June 26th, 2014 2:00pm, First Christian Church - Nowata