Robert Merlin Draper

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.