Lyle Eugene Draper

HEYBURN – Lyle Eugene Draper, 89, died September 16, 2021, at Minidoka Memorial Hospital, in Rupert, Idaho.

Lyle was born March 23, 1932, in Burley, Idaho, the son of Wallace Lavern Draper and Loylla Munsee. He served in the U.S. Army where he finished his G.E.D. Lyle was a veteran of the Korean War and after the war, he completed odd jobs for farmers and construction projects. He then went on to serve in the Air Force Reserves with his brother, Rex Draper. He was in the Reserve for four years. He later joined the Civil Air Patrol and enjoyed helping people in need. After his time serving his country in multiple ways, Lyle married Julie Marva Shaw, August 2, 1991. They passed time working on their yard, exploring the countryside on their side by side, and spending time with family.

Lyle lived most of his life in Paul, Idaho. As a young man, he ran for Paul City Council, and he was elected! He was told to be reserved for his first year in office, but that wasn’t the case due to the fact that he was a talker. He realized that an office job wasn’t right for him, so for the rest of his working career he and his brother, Rex, formed Draper Construction building homes in the community and surrounding areas for 30 years. His last job before being disabled was at the Idaho Youth Ranch, where he discovered he loved working with children.

Lyle was a member of the Rupert Lions Club and served as President for a period of time. His Lions vest is highly decorated in metals due to his outstanding work within the club. He was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he held various positions. His hobbies included being a family man as well as participating in a country band playing guitar. He played Santa Claus for over 30 years with his brother, Dewayne Draper. His love for Christmas was unmatched as every year he put up glorious and copious amounts of Christmas lights that could be seen for miles. His mornings were spent drinking coffee at local restaurants to visit with his brothers and beloved friends.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Julie Draper; two sons, Lyle Eugene Draper II of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Troy Lavern Draper and his wife Tracy Lee Draper of Rupert, Idaho; his stepchildren, Chalena Leone and her husband Troy Leone, and Aron Shaw both of Rupert; his sister, Betty Barrett of Burley, Idaho; as well as 13 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Constance Louise Draper; his brothers, Dewayne, Ronald, and Rex Draper; and his sisters, Marie Pickering, and Donna Mae Draper; and his granddaughter, Brittaney Faye Draper.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Heyburn Ward, located at 300 S. 500 W., of Heyburn, with Bishop Bill Conant officiating. Burial will be in Paul Cemetery with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church prior to the service.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/KTsD8hah214.

A live webcast of the Graveside Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/Yn3fTxUGUZ8.