Gary W. Draper
ENOSBURG FALLS: Gary W. Draper, age 76, the youngest of seven children, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at his home in his recliner where he was most comfortable.
He was born in Fairfax on August 23, 1946, the son of the late Fred and Viola (Mitchell) Draper.
Gary grew up and attended school in Fairfield where he worked on surrounding dairy farms. He married Veronica Marshia on April 16, 1966, and the two made their home in Bakersfield. In 1966, he began working in construction and eventually started a construction business with his oldest son in the early 90s— Gary Draper & Sons Excavation. When Gary wasn’t working, which was seldom, he enjoyed sugaring, and spending time at the casino, even mentioning the day before his passing that he hoped to go gambling one more time. Although quiet, Gary did not have to say much for you to know exactly what he was thinking, which usually included a sarcastic comment followed by his famous smirk. He loved to tease his family and friends and had a knack for giving some of the best nicknames.
Gary is survived by his wife of 56 years, Veronica Draper of Enosburg Falls; children, Molly Stetson of North Stratford, NH, Gary Draper and his wife Billie Jo of Enosburgh, Jason Draper and his wife Jodie of Enosburg Falls, and Amanda Mobbs of Georgia; grandchildren, Korie Stetson-Coons and her husband Kaiser, Shelby Curtis and her husband Joshua, Zachary Stetson and his fiancé Sarah Fitzgerald, Jessica Kogut and her husband Jarad, Shaleigh Woods and her husband Jesse, Meghan Draper and her fiancé Sam Vaal, Bridgette Preston and her husband Jared, Robert Draper, Alison Dash, Aydan Dash, Avery Mobbs, and Sophie Mobbs; great-grandchildren, Karlie, Kendall, Knox, Madison, and Jackson; sister, Carol Graves of Seal Beach, CA; mother-in-law, Jessie Marshia; siblings-in-law, David Marshia, Suzanne Carpenter and her husband Jim, and Tracy Ghostlaw and her husband Chris; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by a great-grandson, Kash Coons, sister, Margaret Garrett; brothers, George, Ronald, Donald, and Frederick Draper; father-in-law, Philip C. Marshia, brother-in-law, Philip R. Marshia, and sister-in-law, Kathy Marshia.
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Monday, February 20, 2023, from 4 – 7 pm at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls, VT 05450. This spring, a graveside service will be held at the Egypt Cemetery in East Fairfield.
For those who wish contributions in Gary’s memory may be made to Bayada Hospice, 600 Blair Park Suite 300 Williston, VT 05495, and or UVM Cancer Center, UVM Medical Center Foundation, Courtyard at Given 3N, 111 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401.
Condolences, photos, and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com
