Kenneth Leland Draper was born on May 17, 1939, in Ceresco, Nebraska to Royal and Ada (Morrison) Draper and passed away on May 21, 2024, in Valparaiso, Nebraska at the age of 85 years and 4 days.

Kenny was the second eldest of six; brothers, Ed, Richard, Stan and sisters, Marilyn and Beverly. He attended Valparaiso School and graduated with the Class of 1956. Kenny then joined the Air Force where he was stationed in Madrid, Spain and was discharged in 1961.

Kenny was united in marriage to Priscilla Egr on August 11, 1962. Kenny and Pat lived in Valparaiso and raised their two sons, Jeffrey and Kurt. He loved taking the boys to dirt track races. Kenny worked for Swede Hawkison at the Co-op before his employment at General Steel for 39 years. After his retirement, he enjoyed gardening, hunting and tinkering with lawn mowers. Kenny also enjoyed volunteering to mow for the First United Methodist Church of Valparaiso. He was involved with AA for 51 years.  Kenny enjoyed going up town to talk with his friends and loved following his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all of their activities. He found great joy watching the love of racing continue in the family.

Kenny is preceded in death by his wife, Priscilla Draper; parents, Royal and Ada Draper; in-laws, Emil and Geraldine Egr; grandma, Delia "Momo" Draper; brothers, Royal Draper, Jr and Richard Draper; brothers-in-law, Walter Hodgeman and Rick Egr and sister-in-law, Linda Egr.

Survivors cherishing his memory include sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey (Tammy) Draper, Kurt (Mary) Draper; grandchildren, Robert (Nicole) Draper, Michelle (Scott) Nice, Jr., Stephanie (Austin) Novak, Jennifer (Aaron) Wood, David Draper, Eric Draper and Whitney Christians; great-grandchildren, Chase Draper, Scotty Nice III, Joelle Nice, Jaxxton Nice, Ottis Nice, William Novak, Troy Novak and Paisleigh Novak; brother and sister-in-law, Stan (Sally) Draper; sisters and brother-in-law, Marilyn Hodgeman, Beverly (George) Congel; sisters-in-law, Joyce Draper, Susan Draper, Sue (Kenny) Horky and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.