William Clifton "W. C." Draper, 98, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend entered his heavenly home on Friday, August 18, 2023 in Vernon, Texas.

His Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, August 24th at 10:00 a.m. at the First Assembly of God church at 2430 Sand Road in Vernon, Texas, officiating will be Rev. Bob Diekmann and Rev. Scott Olson. Interment will be held at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.  Visitation will be at 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening.

William was born on November 11, 1924 in Pilot Point, Texas to Ira Clifton and Vern Hutson Draper. He grew up during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. Although times were difficult he had a good life with many good memories which he always enjoyed sharing with his family and close friends. He held his first job at the age of 11 when he chopped cotton with his Dad for 75 cents a day.  In 1939, his family settled in Odell, Texas. He attended school there and continued to work on the farm with his Dad.

In 1944, at the age of 19, he decided it was time to serve his country.  He volunteered and was assigned to the U.S. Army.  He served in the Pacific Theater as an infantryman with the 96th Division known as the "the Deadeyes" because of their accuracy in combat. After basic training in Texas and Hawaii he joined the battle in Okinawa where they fought for 52 days on the front lines until Okinawa was secured and the war ended.  He received a Silver Star for being in direct line of fire to help bring his wounded sergeant to safety and the medics.  He also received several other medals and awards for his service, including, two Bronze Stars, and the Deadeyes received a Presidential Citation for their service. He returned home to Odell after finishing his tour of duty in the Philippines. In his later years he attended reunions of the 96th Infantryman Division "Deadeyes" and was reunited with many of the young men that he had served alongside on the front lines of war in Okinawa. This was a special highlight in his life.

After the war, he returned home to Chillicothe, Texas. There he met, fell in love and married the love of his life, Maude Elise Manar on August 16, 1947 in her family home in the White City area. They established their first home in Vernon, where they lived and raised their family. They had three children Mike, Jane and Steve.

Following his service in WWII, Draper worked for Castle Aircraft at Victory Field transforming military trainer planes into civilian planes.  He also worked as a mechanic and at Vernon Manufacturing Company before buying his first truck and starting W. C. Draper Trucking Company. He bought and sold alfalfa hay for over 65 years. He was well known for his ability to "test" alfalfa and as a good businessman most of the men he did business with also became lifetime friends. He continued his business until just recently, buying and selling his last load of hay this summer. He decided it was finally time to retire at 98.

He is a member of the First Assembly of God where he served as a board member and elder for a number of years. His love for God, his country and his family were unmatched. He and his wife, Maude raised their children in church and were very active in their service to God and others.  William's family was very dear to him.  His kids and grandkids from the oldest to the youngest were blessed to have him in their lives.  William was called Qua Qua by his grandkids and had a very unique and individual relationship with each of them.

William, a devoted father, is survived by his children: son, Mike & Brenda Draper, daughter, Jane & Ken Robinson and daughter-in-law, Linda Draper.

He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren:  Ricky, Joe (Katrina), Yvette (Mike), P. J. (Rudy), Kyle (Amber), Kenda (Brandt), Kade, Levi (Kaylee) and Andrew.

And by 12 great-grandchildren:  Breanna, Allen, Trenton, Bert, Ava, Kayla (Koby), Kirsten, Aubrey, Avery, Willow, Jonas, and Kenley.

And by 4 great-great-grandchildren: Karder, Korbin, Kycee and Kamille.

He is also survived by his sister and her husband, Laverne & James Rush and his sister-in-law and her husband, Betty & Wayne Strayhorn.  Also, surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

William was preceded in death by his wife, Maude of 66 years, his son, Steve; his parents; his stepmother, Ruby Draper; his in-laws, Daisy & J. A. Manar; and his siblings: R.D., Lorene, Lillian, Douglas and Berneace.

William Draper will be remembered for his strength, dedication, and the deep love he held for his family and friends.  His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him through the lessons he imparted, the examples that he set, the friendships he held and the love he shared.

Memorials can be made to First Assembly of God new building fund.