Norman Draper, age 87 of New Era, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, June 20, 2020.  He was born June 29, 1932 in Grand Rapids to Leland and Tena (Noorman) Draper.

He married Carol (Newman) on  September 18, 1958.  Norman worked for General Motors as a tool and die maker for many years before retiring in 1993.  He lived in Sparta until moving to New Era in 2015.  Norman was an Army veteran of the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Jack (Dawn)  Draper, James (Julie) Draper, Ruth Haskill and Kathy (Richard) Thomas; seventeen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; his brother, Edward (Rae) Draper; sisters, Marian Kamstra and Joan Youngs; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Jerald Ray Draper, son-in-law, Richard Haskill, brother, Robert Draper and sister, Dorothy Draper.

Visitation is Tuesday, June 23rd, 9:30 to 11:00 am at Newman Christian Community Church.  The funeral service will follow Tuesday, 11 am at the church with Norman's grandson, Pastor David Thomas officiating.  A luncheon will follow the funeral.  Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Grand Rapids.  Memorials to either Gideons International, P.O. Box 172, Pentwater, MI 49449 or Child Evangelism Fellowship Shoreline Chapter, P.O. Box 283, Shelby, MI 49455 are appreciated.