Robert Earl Draper

Robert Earl Draper passed away peacefully on October 12, 2023, at the age of 91. Robert was born on July 2, 1932, to Jesse and Dora Draper in Midway, Utah and was the youngest of 12 children.  Bob, as many knew him spent his youth milking cows daily and working at local ranches, he graduated from High School in 1950 in Midway with a class of 36 people.   

Bob joined the Air Force in 1952, where he served for 10 years as a Loadmaster on the C-124 Globemaster II which took him around the world. Among his many missions flown with the Air Force one of his most memorable was while stationed in McMurdo Station for 6 months participating in Operation Deep Freeze providing supplies to the South Pole.  While there he also participated in Operation Hitchhiker flying the first set of penguins from Antarctica to Portland, Oregon in 1957.   

Following his time in the Air Force, Bob operated a service station and tire shop on the corner of 14th and Idaho in Elko for many years. Later he owned and operated BJ Floors and Appliance Repair, which he continued to operate until he was physically unable to just this past summer. 

Bob loved playing golf, fishing in the Ruby Marshes and spending time with family and friends. He was always quick to strike up a conversation and make friends will all that he met and marveled at the accomplishments of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.  His simple way of life led him to be known as a kindhearted man, willing to help those that needed it.    

Bob is preceded in death by his children, George (Terri) Draper (son), Jeff Draper (son) and Julie (Andrew) Puccinelli (daughter). He is survived by his brother Neil Draper, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jeremy Draper (Heidi), Brandon Draper (Lesley), James Puccinelli, and Cassie Puccinelli.  

A service will be held on October 27th at 1:30 PM at Burns Funeral Home, 895 Fairground Road, Elko, NV.   

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