Billy J Draper, 86, of Delphi, died Wed.-Oct 22, 2014 at 3am at his home. He was born Aug. 23, 1928 in Flora, to the late Donald & Myrtle Mae Sibrary Draper. His marriage was to Patricia D Crone in Flora, on Sept. 12, 1953, celebrating 61 years of marriage, and she survives.

He was a 1946 graduate of Delphi High School, and was a Corporal in the U.S. Army, 1950-1952, a Veteran of the Korean War. He was wounded in battle and received a Purple Heart. He worked at the Delphi Lumber Co., then worked for 33 years at Peters-Revington Furniture Factory in Delphi. He and his wife read meters for the REMC in Delphi, and he worked at the Carroll County Courthouse for 15 years, doing security for some of the offices. He was a volunteer fireman for Tri Township Volunteer Fire Dept. of Delphi for 22 years, and was a Captain; a 60 year member of the Delphi American Legion Post #75, he was post commander 2 years and he served on the honor guard for veterans funerals for many years, and helped place flags on veterans graves; has been a board member of the Wabash & Erie Canal Center since 1993; has donated more than 9 gallons of blood during his life; was a member of the Carroll Co. Civil Defense, and the local contact for the American Red Cross for 6 yrs.

He enjoyed the Monday, Wednesday, Friday crew at the Canal Center, building boat's, building's, and displays. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening. If his family needed something made or fabricated, he would always come through for them. He dearly loved his wife & children, grand & great grandchildren, brother's & sister's. He enjoyed all of the family gathering they had and shared in during his life.

Surviving: wife-Patricia D Draper of Delphi; daughters: Linda & Dick Johnson of Tipton, Peggy Draper of Delphi, Carol & Dennis Hennessy of Syracuse, NY, Janet Draper (sp. Adam Becker) of Arlington, VA; sons: Wm. Dean Draper & Barb Robertson of West Lafayette, Charles Dale Draper of Delphi; sisters-Jean Ann & Don Sommers of Idaville, Judy Mullin of Lynn; brothers: Bob & Marge Draper, & Fred Draper of Delphi; 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by 2 sisters Donna Simmons & Betty Jo Spitznagle; 2 brothers Don & Wayne Draper.

Services: A celebration of life service will take place Friday, with the family receiving friends from 3pm to 6pm at the Wabash & Erie Canal Center-Delphi. A time for sharing will begin at 6pm. Veterans honors will be preformed by the Carroll Co. Honor Guard. Private family interment will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions to the Canal Center, envelopes available there. Abbott Funeral Home-Delphi, in charge of arrangements. www.abbottfuneralhome.com