Earl W. Draper

78, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday morning November 14, 2023, at his home.

Earl was born on March 19, 1945 in Wichita, Kansas to parents, Frank and Florence Draper. As a child he lived on a farm in Rose Hill, Kansas. He graduated from Rose Hill High School.

On July 27, 1964, he married Sonja Payton. Together they would raise their four children; Timothy, Tammy, Tonja and Troy around the Douglass and Rose Hill area.

Earl worked in various careers including farming, Boeing, and remodeling homes. The one job he really loved was being an over the road truck driver.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ellen; and brother, Donald.

Earl is surviving by his wife of 59 years, Sonja; four children – all of the Wichita area; seven grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.

A gathering to celebrate Earl’s life will be held from 9am-11am on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Smith Family Mortuary – Derby, Kansas.