Fred Draper

Fred Draper, September 15, 1956 ~ June 15, 2011, beloved son, brother, and partner left this earth to join our heavenly father on Wednesday morning. Freddie was an inspiration to all of us, and was loved by so many people. Freddie was the type of person and friend everybody wanted to know. He always had a smile on his face and would help out anytime he could. Freddie grew up in Gulfport, MS and graduated from college as a registered nurse. His field of choice to work with was with AIDS patients. Freddie is survived by his mother and stepfather, Genevieve and Gerald Draper. He is also survived by brothers Carmen (Pam), and Mike (Jami). Surviving sisters are Catherine, and Geraldine (Brian). Freddie also had step-siblings Deborah, Betty, and Billy. Freddie will be especially be missed by his partner of 8 years, Skip, and their dog Kassie. Freddie’s memory will also be cherished dearly by several nieces and nephews. He especially loved joking around with Chuckie. Freddie used to laugh at the way his siblings would heckle each other. Even though he will truly be missed, instead of remembering this as a sad moment, let us rejoice in the fact he is no longer suffering, and is eternally happy. Freddie will always be with all of us in spirit. We love you Freddie, and miss you so much, but we will all be together again one day… Visitation will be Monday, June 20, 2011, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th St., in Gulfport. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Picayune. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.c Who was Fred Draper ? Fred was my partner, my love, companion, confidant, my right hand, my best friend and my life. He was Kassie’s “Momma” because he mothered her and spoiled her terribly. He was Beau’s “Momma” as well until Beau crossed the “rainbow bridge”. He was everyone’s friend. He was strong minded, opinionated, and tough as nails on one side and soft, cuddly, sweet, considerate a truly caring man on the other side. He had a great love for God and this country. His political views were conservative and traditional but stressed equality for all people regardless of race, creed, sexuality or gender. His body was small but the spirit inside that body was giant. He was the guy that carried shopping bags for old ladies and stopped on the Highway to assist stranded motorists. I would need all my fingers and toes to count the tires he changed for people on the highways over our years together. He called women Miss Ann or Miss Shirley out of simple southern respect. He had respect for his community and the planet. When he caught spiders or little lizards in the house he released them outside to live in ours and God’s world. He was a “country boy”, my Bumpkin, as a dear friend dubbed him. He had a crochet needle in one hand and a chain saw in the other, He loved to do Puzzles, crosswords, sidukoo word games and was a canasta maven. He sewed dog beds that he and Kim would make and donate to the animal rescue. If even the most casual acquaintance was expecting a baby, the crochet hook came out and the wool was selected for the booties and blankets he created. Kim, Robin, Chuck, Joann &Joe, Lisa & Bert, Tommy & Stephanie, Laura & Eddie, Addie, Joan, Billy& Lee, Dominique, Robert, Linda & Jack, Li, Peter & Ellen, Renee & Elizabeth, Arlene & Alan and Charles were people who’s love he held so very dear. He knew a lot about everything. He could fix almost anything. He was not a stunningly handsome man but his inner beauty was dazzling not only to me but to countless people he met. His smile could light up the room. He was a man who deeply loved his mother and her husband, his step dad. He had brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He loved them all as well. He was a caretaker. He tried to take care of everyone and expected nothing in return. He had great courage in his battle with cancer and as bad as the disease ravaged his body he fought to the very final days. He was my soldier in the war that took him away from me, you, and the people that he had not yet met. He is now Tommy’s guardian angel and is probably reorganizing heaven at this very moment. I will never get over the loss of my beloved Fred. I will try to honor his memory by doing kind things for others, honoring his savior, loving his mother, and keeping his spirit alive in everything I do daily. Fred’s Spirit will live on in each of those who knew him. When you see a butterfly or a dove think of him, He loved those creatures. Honor his life by celebrating him from time to time with a fond memory, a prayer or light a candle for him. He loved candles as well Who was Fred Draper? He was my Inspiration, my everything, all of the above and a whole lot more. We love you sweet heart. Skip and Kassie