Emmert Shirley Draper passed away December 6, 2004 at Avalon Valley Care Center.
He was born September 22, 1914 to Kimball Mertilious Draper and Edna Blackham in Moroni, Utah. He had three siblings, sister Opal Aagard, and brothers Elwood and Jerry Draper.
Emmert served in the infantry division of the United States Army from 1942 to 1945 in Tampa, Florida. In 1945 he began his study of mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University and later went on to study at the University of Utah. As a young adult, Mert passionately studied the saxophone, clarinet and flute. In 1942 he performed in the Airforce Hillfield Band. His love of music and natural talent led him to become the founder of the Mert Draper Dance Band in 1946. He and his innovative jazz band charmed fans locally and nationally in locations such as, Rainbow Rendezvous, Hotel Utah, the Old Mill, Covey's Ballroom, the Terrace Ball Room, Lagoon and at the Sun Valley Resort.
Mert married Leona Decker in March of 1948, they had two daughters Laura and Sheila Draper. Mert worked for Capitol Records in sales, promotions for 18 years, where he won many awards for his salesmanship and people skills. He went on to hold many like positions, with Crest Distributing, KCPX television, KRSP radio, KBBX radio and Amex Systems. His personable, ethical approach, and no pressure sales won him admiration and respect from all.
Mert found much pleasure in golf, skiing, tennis, basketball and especially his family and friends. He never attended a social function, without his camera in hand to capture his love and appreciation for the people in his life. He graced us all with his compassionate loving nature, and his warm and gentle spirit. We will miss his kind smile, musical expertise, love for animals, flowers, the outdoors and his uncanny ability to fix anything!
He is survived in death by his brother Elwood Draper; former wife Leona Decker; daughters Laura (Cal) Boardman, and Sheila (Craig) Gorder; his grandchildren, David (Carolyn), Anthony and Ben Jenkinson, Sofia and Giselle Gorder; and two great- grandchildren Levi and Rachyl Jenkinson.
There will be a celebration of his life on Monday, December 20, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Chapel, 2350 E. 1300 So. for friends and family.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to University of Utah Music Dept. or KUER Radio, in care of the University of Utah Development Office, 201 President's Circle, Rm. 305, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112.
He was born September 22, 1914 to Kimball Mertilious Draper and Edna Blackham in Moroni, Utah. He had three siblings, sister Opal Aagard, and brothers Elwood and Jerry Draper.
Emmert served in the infantry division of the United States Army from 1942 to 1945 in Tampa, Florida. In 1945 he began his study of mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University and later went on to study at the University of Utah. As a young adult, Mert passionately studied the saxophone, clarinet and flute. In 1942 he performed in the Airforce Hillfield Band. His love of music and natural talent led him to become the founder of the Mert Draper Dance Band in 1946. He and his innovative jazz band charmed fans locally and nationally in locations such as, Rainbow Rendezvous, Hotel Utah, the Old Mill, Covey's Ballroom, the Terrace Ball Room, Lagoon and at the Sun Valley Resort.
Mert married Leona Decker in March of 1948, they had two daughters Laura and Sheila Draper. Mert worked for Capitol Records in sales, promotions for 18 years, where he won many awards for his salesmanship and people skills. He went on to hold many like positions, with Crest Distributing, KCPX television, KRSP radio, KBBX radio and Amex Systems. His personable, ethical approach, and no pressure sales won him admiration and respect from all.
Mert found much pleasure in golf, skiing, tennis, basketball and especially his family and friends. He never attended a social function, without his camera in hand to capture his love and appreciation for the people in his life. He graced us all with his compassionate loving nature, and his warm and gentle spirit. We will miss his kind smile, musical expertise, love for animals, flowers, the outdoors and his uncanny ability to fix anything!
He is survived in death by his brother Elwood Draper; former wife Leona Decker; daughters Laura (Cal) Boardman, and Sheila (Craig) Gorder; his grandchildren, David (Carolyn), Anthony and Ben Jenkinson, Sofia and Giselle Gorder; and two great- grandchildren Levi and Rachyl Jenkinson.
There will be a celebration of his life on Monday, December 20, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Chapel, 2350 E. 1300 So. for friends and family.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to University of Utah Music Dept. or KUER Radio, in care of the University of Utah Development Office, 201 President's Circle, Rm. 305, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112.
Emmert Shirley Draper passed away December 6, 2004 at Avalon Valley Care Center.
He was born September 22, 1914 to Kimball Mertilious Draper and Edna Blackham in Moroni, Utah. He had three siblings, sister Opal Aagard, and brothers Elwood and Jerry Draper.
Emmert served in the infantry division of the United States Army from 1942 to 1945 in Tampa, Florida. In 1945 he began his study of mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University and later went on to study at the University of Utah. As a young adult, Mert passionately studied the saxophone, clarinet and flute. In 1942 he performed in the Airforce Hillfield Band. His love of music and natural talent led him to become the founder of the Mert Draper Dance Band in 1946. He and his innovative jazz band charmed fans locally and nationally in locations such as, Rainbow Rendezvous, Hotel Utah, the Old Mill, Covey's Ballroom, the Terrace Ball Room, Lagoon and at the Sun Valley Resort.
Mert married Leona Decker in March of 1948, they had two daughters Laura and Sheila Draper. Mert worked for Capitol Records in sales, promotions for 18 years, where he won many awards for his salesmanship and people skills. He went on to hold many like positions, with Crest Distributing, KCPX television, KRSP radio, KBBX radio and Amex Systems. His personable, ethical approach, and no pressure sales won him admiration and respect from all.
Mert found much pleasure in golf, skiing, tennis, basketball and especially his family and friends. He never attended a social function, without his camera in hand to capture his love and appreciation for the people in his life. He graced us all with his compassionate loving nature, and his warm and gentle spirit. We will miss his kind smile, musical expertise, love for animals, flowers, the outdoors and his uncanny ability to fix anything!
He is survived in death by his brother Elwood Draper; former wife Leona Decker; daughters Laura (Cal) Boardman, and Sheila (Craig) Gorder; his grandchildren, David (Carolyn), Anthony and Ben Jenkinson, Sofia and Giselle Gorder; and two great- grandchildren Levi and Rachyl Jenkinson.
There will be a celebration of his life on Monday, December 20, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Chapel, 2350 E. 1300 So. for friends and family.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to University of Utah Music Dept. or KUER Radio, in care of the University of Utah Development Office, 201 President's Circle, Rm. 305, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112.
He was born September 22, 1914 to Kimball Mertilious Draper and Edna Blackham in Moroni, Utah. He had three siblings, sister Opal Aagard, and brothers Elwood and Jerry Draper.
Emmert served in the infantry division of the United States Army from 1942 to 1945 in Tampa, Florida. In 1945 he began his study of mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University and later went on to study at the University of Utah. As a young adult, Mert passionately studied the saxophone, clarinet and flute. In 1942 he performed in the Airforce Hillfield Band. His love of music and natural talent led him to become the founder of the Mert Draper Dance Band in 1946. He and his innovative jazz band charmed fans locally and nationally in locations such as, Rainbow Rendezvous, Hotel Utah, the Old Mill, Covey's Ballroom, the Terrace Ball Room, Lagoon and at the Sun Valley Resort.
Mert married Leona Decker in March of 1948, they had two daughters Laura and Sheila Draper. Mert worked for Capitol Records in sales, promotions for 18 years, where he won many awards for his salesmanship and people skills. He went on to hold many like positions, with Crest Distributing, KCPX television, KRSP radio, KBBX radio and Amex Systems. His personable, ethical approach, and no pressure sales won him admiration and respect from all.
Mert found much pleasure in golf, skiing, tennis, basketball and especially his family and friends. He never attended a social function, without his camera in hand to capture his love and appreciation for the people in his life. He graced us all with his compassionate loving nature, and his warm and gentle spirit. We will miss his kind smile, musical expertise, love for animals, flowers, the outdoors and his uncanny ability to fix anything!
He is survived in death by his brother Elwood Draper; former wife Leona Decker; daughters Laura (Cal) Boardman, and Sheila (Craig) Gorder; his grandchildren, David (Carolyn), Anthony and Ben Jenkinson, Sofia and Giselle Gorder; and two great- grandchildren Levi and Rachyl Jenkinson.
There will be a celebration of his life on Monday, December 20, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Chapel, 2350 E. 1300 So. for friends and family.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to University of Utah Music Dept. or KUER Radio, in care of the University of Utah Development Office, 201 President's Circle, Rm. 305, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112.
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