Cover photo for Robert Merlin Draper's Obituary
Robert Merlin Draper Profile Photo
1946 Robert 2021

Robert Merlin Draper

May 23, 1946 — December 23, 2021

Battle Creek

Robert Merlin Draper, 75, of Battle Creek, passed away on December 23, 2021.

He was born on May 23, 1946 to the late Mervin and Margaret (Porteus) Draper at Kalamazoo, MI. He graduated from Portage Central High School. He then attended Parsons Business School, where he received his Associates in Business. He also received an Associates Degree in Arts from Kalamazoo Valley Community College in 1984. In 1991 he studied Psychology at Western Michigan University and received Associates Degrees in Mechanical Engineering & Applied Science. While attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College in 1991, he also received a drafting certificate. Robert  worked as a Paper Cutter for James River Company for many years. He enjoyed working with his hands and making things with his hands. He enjoyed the outdoors, going on long nature walks, and fishing.

Robert is survived his children, Terry (Tammy) Draper and JoAnn (Jeremy) Nielson; grandchildren, Terry (Jessica) Draper Jr., Katie (Dustin) Hunt, Amber  Draper, Jacob Tappenden; five great-grandchildren; and brothers, Mervin (Angie) Draper, David  Draper, Steve Draper. He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret "Peggy" Decker.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave S.W., Battle Creek, MI 49015, where the funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Interment will follow after the service, in Boughton Cemetery in Pavilion Twp. Please visit the funeral home for assistance with memorials. Please go to https://kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, or leave messages for the family.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Merlin Draper, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

12:00 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services

2838 Capital Avenue Southwest, Battle Creek, MI 49015

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Ceremony

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services

2838 Capital Avenue Southwest, Battle Creek, MI 49015

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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