Stephen Eugene Draper, 79, of Columbus, Texas, died peacefully at home on April 20, 2025. Born July 3, 1945 in Houston, Texas, he was adopted by Jack and Myrah Jane Draper and raised in Columbus. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1963 and earned a B.S. from Stephen F. Austin State University.

In 1984, he married Norma Chandler. Stephen taught agriculture and FFA in Houston, Huffman, and Alief school districts before returning to Columbus. In 1992, he joyfully reunited with three halfsisters and a halfbrother after reconnecting with his birth family.

Alongside Norma, he raised Limousine cattle on their ranch, and in his spare time Stephen is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Myrah Jane Draper; mother- in-law Mildred Chandler; sister-in-law Judy Chandler Leffingwell; step-daughter

RossDraper; grandchil Shari Blair; step-grandson Michael Divine.

He is survived by his wife Norma Draper; children Jennifer Walker (Robbie) and Ross Draper; grandchildren Ashlee Walker (Michael Boyd), Tanner Walker (Isabel Morgadinho), and Kendale Walker; half-siblings Larry Pusch, Linda Overcast, Arlene Theiss (Calvin), and Sandra Kiesling (Allen); god-daughter Melissa Bice (Josh) and their three children Oliver, Miles, and Zoey; as well as extended nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Memorials may be given to Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc.1016 W Jackson Blvd #1073, Chicago, Illinois 60607 or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.

he tinkered on the tractor, fished, played golf, played cards, and went on cruises.