George "Truman" Draper

A celebration of the life of Truman Draper will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Gerry Giles officiating. Truman passed away on February 11, 2016 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born on September 13, 1936 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Thelma and George Draper. After graduating from Oskaloosa High School, he attended Iowa State University. While at Iowa State he was selected to serve as Veishea co-chairman, a very special honor at the school. At the event, Truman personally hosted and accompanied Ronald Reagan who was the guest speaker. Truman received Iowa State’s highest honor in his field, the Greenlee School of Communications and Journalism’s Cardinal Key Award, and he was named to Sigma Delta Chi national journalism honorary. After graduation he served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant for two years and then continued in the reserves. Truman had 46 years experience in sales and marketing with General Electric, Trane and American Standard. He earned Trane Company’s Presidents Cup, the business’ highest award. Truman will always be remembered for creating the very catchy slogan “It’s hard to stop a Trane!”. Even after his death when someone hears that slogan they will think about Truman. He had a positive impact and influence on many friends and co-workers always encouraging them “to be true to yourself, strive for excellence in all that you do and have fun along the way!” After retirement Truman volunteered with Score where he counseled many small businesses to achieve success. He was past President of Hollytree Homeowners Organization and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to support and care for his neighbors. If anyone needed something he was always there to help. He is survived by his very special wife of 43 years, Karleen Draper, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy and Norb Ryan of Fairfax Station, VA, his nephew, Norby Ryan of Oxnard, CA and his niece, Christine and husband David Bryson of Chantilly, VA, but most of all his very special great niece, Madison, who he loved so much. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials to be made to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701 and The Humane Society’s Pets Fur People, 1823 County Road 386, Tyler, TX 75708

George "Truman" Draper

September 13, 1936 - February 11, 2016