Lawrence Draper Obituary

Lawrence John Draper (Slip), 79 of Morgan, VT, formerly of Brattleboro, passed away at his home late Sunday afternoon, March 23, 2025 from complications of COPD.

Larry was born in Bakersfield, Vermont, March 3, 1946, the son of Robert Draper, Sr., and Frances (George) Draper. He attended school in Burlington until the family moved to Brattleboro in 1961.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in November of 1965 and served actively in Vietnam until January 1967 and earned awards for marksmanship. The day he boarded the plane to report for duty was the first day of deer season.

He came home wounded but thankfully alive and was honorably discharged.

He had been employed as a track-man for the B&M railroad for 10 years. Pounding spikes made him a very good arm wrestler which he enjoyed and took pride in. Larry also enjoyed hunting, fishing and his camp in Holland Vermont, and the love of several dogs over the years.

On December 21, 1984 he was married to Susan Cooke and they built their home in Brattleboro. Larry established and operated Spring Water Bait shop in Brattleboro from 2002 - 2012 and then NEK Spring Water bait in Morgan, Vermont from 2013 to present.

Besides his wife, he leaves behind a brother, Robert Draper, Jr., and wife Carol of Benson, VT; two brothers-in-law, Timothy Cooke and wife Cris of Southbridge, Massachusetts and Alan Cooke of Sharon, Vermont; daughters, Cindy and Sherri from a previous marriage; several nieces and nephews, many friends, and lots of stories.

Graveside committal services with full military honors will be conducted Monday, March 31st at 11:00 a.m. in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery with Fr. Henry Furman of St. Michael's Catholic Church officiating. A reception will follow at the Elk's Home on Putney Road.

Memorial contributions can be made by thanking a veteran for their service.

To share a memory or offer condolences to Larry's family, please visit www.atamaniuk.com.