Elton Jay Draper, our loving husband, father, grandfather, “Grandpa-Great”, and Brother, passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 from a long time illness, at the young age of 79. Elton was born July 12, 1939 in Genola, Utah, to Burke Jay and Erma Ruth Elton Draper. He was married and sealed to his childhood sweetheart, Rose Mary York Draper on Aug.
8, 1958 in the Salt Lake Temple. Elton was raised in Genola, and attended Goshen Elementary and Payson High School. He also attended Trade Tech in Provo Utah, where he excelled and became an artistan builder in carpentry.
Elton was a master builder; if he had the plans, he could build “anything on a toothpick”. Elton opened his own Construction business, Elton Construction, and later worked for Cannon Construction, and New Star Construction. Among his career highlights were the oversight and construction at Deer Valley’s Stien Erikson Lodge, Ski Tram at Snow Bird, many High Rise Buildings in Salt Lake City, a Castle on Cromwell Island on Flat Head Lake in Montana, and countless beautiful homes, three of which for his family in Granger, Hunter, and Genola.
Elton was an Eagle Scout and also earned his Duty to God award. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, church, and community service. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities from Scout Leader, teacher, dance instructor, coach, counselors in Bishoprics, Bishop, High Counselor, Provo Temple worker, and a volunteer beautifying the gardens of the Payson, Utah Temple.
Together, Elton and Rose served a work service mission at Heber Valley Girls Camp from 2006-2008, where Elton organized groups and built cabins, and Rose helped with the challenge courses. In his spare time, Elton also served two terms as Mayor for the town of Genola, and one term as Councilman. Elton was known for his kindness, generosity, service, and his never-ending love for Vanilla Ice Cream, Nutty Buddy bars, M&M’s, and to his family he was the “Energizer Bunny” because he was always going and never quit.
He had a big heart and loved and cared for everyone. Most of all, he loved and cherished his wife of 60 years, three sons, one daughter, 22 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren ( who lovingly called him, “Grandpa-Great” and were always excited to visit and see what Grandpa had left for them in his “goodie drawer”). He is survived by his wife, Rose, and Children; Carl Jay Draper, Laurel Ann (Blaine) Kenison, Todd Elton (Amy) Draper, Blake LeVon (Amy) Draper, Daughter-in-Law Marjorie Draper, four siblings, Bryan (Carol) Draper, Lily (Rodger) Kirkham, Stephen (Jane Ann) Draper, Mark (Stacey) Draper.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, a brother, Michael, and Sister-In-Law MaryLou Draper. The family wishes to give a special “Thank You” to those who lovingly served him- his family, friends, neighbors, as well as his Hospice I Care team, Bonnie, Burt, Dr. Holmes, Rosiland, and Camie. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Genola Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 North Main Street, Genola, Utah.
A viewing will be held Friday, February 15th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Genola ward Chapel and again on Saturday, February 16th from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to the funeral services. Interment will follow at the Santaquin City Cemetery. The Family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to individual ward humanitarian funds.
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