Donald Emerson Draper

Donald Emerson Draper of Williamstown, Kentucky passed away Monday night, August 21st, 2023 at the St. Elizabeth Grant Hospital in Williamstown, KY surrounded by his adoring family. He was born at home on Sunday, September 7th, 1941 in Pendleton County, Kentucky, to the late Homer and Mary Draper. In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by three of his brothers: Raymond Draper, Bill Draper, and Kenny Draper; a sister, Linda Brewer; an infant son, Dennis Draper; as well as his loving wife, Opal Wilson Draper.

On Thursday, May 15th, 1969, Donald married the love of his life, Ms. Opal Wilson. The two were blissfully married for over 35 years until Opal’s passing in May of 2004. Donald and Opal owned and operated a local grocery store together here in Williamstown. The establishment, named after its owners: “Don & Opal’s Grocery”, was located off of Sunset Drive and provided residents of the city a place to pick up groceries for more than 15 years.

Donald worked for the majority of his life, even into retirement years- though not because he had to, but because its what he enjoyed out of life. Working was a true hobby to him, he was able to take what gave him joy and turn those passions into careers.  Donald worked as a Police Officer at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport for several years, striving to maintain safety and security for travelers and airline personnel. He also worked as a self-taught, local independent contractor throughout Grant and Pendleton County. Carpentry, plumbing, electrical work- any type of job that needed to be completed, Donald was there with his tools ready. A true perfectionist, nothing was more important to him then knowing that the job was done correctly, that it was completed right the first time.

You could say the career that brought Donald the most happiness out of life was that of being a Father and Grandfather. He is survived by his daughter, Beverly (Rick) Draper, and his son Doug (Teresa) Draper, both of Williamstown, KY; his sisters: Jean Webster of Independence, KY, Ruth Ann (Goble) Perkins of Dry Ridge, KY, Brenda (Delbert) Perkins of Williamstown, KY, and Sue Dennie of Cynthiana, KY; his brothers: Ronnie Draper of Florence, KY and Rick (Bev) Draper of Williamstown, KY; as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Donald leaves a lasting legacy of his four cherished Grandchildren: Kevin (Lisa) Draper, Amanda Draper, Holly (Stephen) Hutchinson and Matt (Jordan LeMay) Draper, all of Williamstown, KY; along with his fourteen treasured Great-Grandchildren: Gaige Fields, Isabella Owen, Alayla Owen, Joey Green, Addison Draper, Easton Draper, Serenity LeMay, River LeMay, Emerson LeMay, Kaleb Draper, Lukas Draper, Clay Hutchinson, Coltin Hutchinson, and Addi Grace Hutchinson. As a huge UK Basketball fan, the only greater joy Donald received in life than watching the Wildcats win was spoiling his Grandkids and Great-Grandkids in any way he could- he loved them endlessly.

A visitation for Donald will be held at the Elliston-Stanley Funeral Home in Williamstown, KY on Friday, August 25th, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00PM. A funeral service will be held the following day, Saturday, August 26th, 2023 beginning at noon. After the funeral service, Donald will be laid to rest at the Williamstown Cemetery here in Williamstown, KY alongside his beloved Opal. Shortly following the graveside, a meal will be provided by the family in honor of Donald, located at the Fairview Christian Church- 495 Fairview Rd. Williamstown, KY 41097.