Billy Emerson Draper

Billy Emerson “Bill” Draper, 85, Mooresville, passed away December 11, 2024. Bill was born on January 3, 1939, in Finley Township, Indiana, to the late Emerson R. and Agnes L. (Clapper) Draper. Bill married Rosemary Pflum on August 19, 1961, and she survives.

He grew up in New Palestine and graduated from New Palestine High School. Armed with strong determination and great work ethic, Bill began working at Western Electric where he was employed for more than 33 years. The family moved to Oklahoma City in 1984 before returning to Mooresville in 1990 and building their forever home in Madison Township. Bill worked for P & P Golf Cars for several years before permanently retiring to enjoy his various hobbies.

Bill enjoyed the outdoors – coon hunting as a younger man and fishing whenever there was an opportunity. He was an avid gardener who also looked forward to sharing his harvest every summer with family, friends, and neighbors. He was a member of the Morgan County Antique Tractor Association and enjoyed tinkering with his many tractor projects. As a basketball fan, Bill remained loyal to the Pacers and the Hoosiers. Perhaps Bill will be most remembered for his gift of gab. He loved people, teasing, and was known for bestowing nicknames on those he really liked. Bill will be fondly remembered by his loving family for his loyalty and love.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Henry Draper and a half sister, Helen Copple.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Rosemary; children, Vince (Jodi) Draper, Brett Draper, Shawn Draper, Erin Draper, Stephanie Draper, and Jennifer (Mike) Payton; nine grandchildren; eight great grandchildren.

Friends and family will gather from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, in the chapel at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. Sharing of memories will occur at 7 p.m., to close the evening. A Memorial Mass will begin at 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1200 N. Indiana St., Mooresville. Inurnment will take place in the Resurrection Garden at Saints Francis & Clare Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. 

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