2/13/1948 - 8/27/2023
Roger Lee Draper was born on Feb 13, 1948, in Aurora, Nebraska. His parents were Cassius William (Bill) and Donna Rae (Gorham) Draper. He attended Fairbury High School, Fairbury Junior College and graduated from Kearney State College (UNK). After graduation he worked in Schuyler, Ne and married Kathryn Bideaux. He raised his family in Schuyler until they moved to Omaha in 2011. He had a career managing bowling alleys, bar/restaurants and the Schuyler golf course. Later in his career, he held several service positions which allowed him to do what he loved, which was talk to people. Roger was a member of Water’s Edge Methodist church.
Roger and Kathryn had 2 sons, Bill and Andrew. Bill has two children, Alex and Sammy. Andy and Ronni have Stella. The three grandchildren were the highlights of Roger’s life. There was nothing Roger liked more than seeing the grandchildren perform.
Roger is survived by his wife Kathryn and son Bill, grandson Alex, granddaughter Sammy, son Andy, daughter-in-law Ronni and granddaughter Stella, 2 sisters, Linda (Dave) Boeckner and Vicki (Mike) Urrea. He is also survived by in laws Rod and Ginny Kastner, Mike and Julie Bideaux, Bob and Ellen Faltys and Matt and Patty Bideaux. There are also many nieces and nephews and other family members. He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Donna Draper, his in-laws Joan and Alex Bideaux, his beloved sister Karen Bedlan, and 2 brother-in laws Ken Bedlan and Earl Stoakes.
Roger’s passion in his later years was watching family events, especially those his grandkids participated in. As a lifelong car enthusiast, his sons surprised him for his 75th birthday by taking him to his first NASCAR race.
A celebration of life will be held at Water's Edge Methodist church on Friday Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations will be directed to a memorial that will benefit Roger's cherished causes. The family appreciates all the kind words and actions received.
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