Rick Draper

On October 24, 2026, Ricki “Rick” Edward Draper, passed away peacefully in his home

at the young age of 67-years-old. Rick was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of

Roanoke, Virginia on December 3, 1958. He attended Andrew Lewis High School in

Salem, VA until his junior year, after which he and his family relocated to Indiana. He

graduated from Rosedale High School in 1977. Rick and his siblings loved to hang out

with their new Hoosier friends who embraced the same rural life. He made lifelong

friends during this time yet never forgot those special people in his home state. Shortly

after graduating, he began his highly respected 38-year-long career at Eli Lilly &

Company, retiring in 2016.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, James Luther Draper, his mother,

Sylvia “Suzie” Philpott, and stepfather, Joseph “Joe” Philpott; all of his siblings, William

Mark Draper, Rhonda Leigh Draper-Jayne, and James Kerry Draper; his brother-in-law

Eldon Jayne; his nephew Jaymes Christopher Draper; his loyal Jack Russel terrier,

Newly, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Rick is survived by

his wife of 43 years, Sue Draper, his daughters Laura (Jacob) Gibson and Natalie

(Lucas) Mackey; his grandchildren, whom he cherished: Aspen, Autumn, Burrow, and

Dylan; his two sisters-in-law Nona (Kerry) Draper and Linda Miller, and an abundance of

extended family, with whom he was very close.

Rick enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, had a keen

eye for finding a black morel or a perched falcon, and liked to metal detect for buried

treasures. He was an expert cook and “grill master” – his best dishes were authentic

Italian spaghetti, baby back ribs, and Christmas fudge. Many did not know he liked

photography, especially black and white pictures that he took of the grandkids. He was

a talented artist, dating back to his high school days at Rosedale, when his teacher

selected him to attend special art sessions in Indianapolis.

Rick always exhibited dedication to his varied jobs at Eli Lilly. He held several

positions and excelled at all, most notably as a chemical operator, participating in the

production of vital antibiotics. Later, Rick seamlessly transitioned to become a licensed

fumigator and managed an entire railroad fleet, at times driving a locomotive or walking

railroad tracks in the dead of winter to de-ice switches.

He was the desired partner in pool or euchre, one of the best softball coaches at

Sportland Park, and possessed the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone – he

never met a stranger. Rick’s favorite nights were spent with his family in the living room,

singing karaoke for hours and indulging in drinks or desserts for his insatiable “sweet

tooth.” His go-to song choice was “Turn the Page” by Bob Seger.

Rick met his future wife, Sue, when they both resided at the Garden Quarter

apartments. They dated for several years before tying the knot at Wayside United

Methodist Church in Clinton, IN, in the spring of 1983. Since that day, they raised two

wonderful daughters and adopted two sons-in-law as their own. Their love culminated in

the joyous births of four beautiful grandchildren. They brought him so much joy, right up

until the day he met his heavenly creator.

Many knew Rick to be gentle and kind, yet he had a firm and confident demeanor

that people around him respected. Raising daughters was a role he enjoyed

wholeheartedly. He never shied away from the chaos, the emotions, or the countless

little moments that came with being a girl dad. He showed up for all of it with a heart that

belonged to his girls. Rick was a very patriotic man and an avid supporter of our nation’s

military and law enforcement. He was a simple man with simple values, and he always

stood up for what was right. Not only was he a pillar of strength for his family, his

relentless and sometimes uncanny ability to see the bigger picture was his forté. He

fought with a strength that inspired everyone around him, but his greatest legacy will

always be the love he gave so freely to his family. He will be missed beyond measure.

The Draper family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the selfless care

received by medical staff from Southern Care Hospice, Union Hospital, first responders,

and private nursing. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please consider donating to the COPD

Foundation at www.copdfoundation.org. At his request, a celebration of life will be

announced at a later date.