Mark T. Draper Sr. passed from this earth on the morning of April 28th, 2022 at 69 years of age. He is survived by his wife Kathleen, his children Matthew, Julia, Mark Jr, Richard, and Krista, his sister Jaye, and his grandchildren Luke, Rhiannon, Quinnton, Christopher, Alyssa, Nicholas, Colton, Maddison, Garland, Malcom, and Isabella. He joins his parents, brothers, sister, and his beloved grandson Spencer in Heaven.
Mark was born to Lionel and Hazel Draper in Rochester, New York in 1952. Barely out of High School, he joined the Navy following in his older brother, William’s footsteps. He met the love of his life Kathy in 1976 and married in 1980 and they had countless adventures together. With his partner by his side, he followed his dream of starting his own business. Despite early struggles, after moving to Florida, he built from the ground up his HVAC business Mark Draper Inc. with his eldest son Mark Jr. joining him in the businesses later on. At one point, each of his sons worked for him and he passed along his persistence and work ethic to them. The last decades of his life were lived in continuing service to his community. He was proud of his 30-year recovery from alcohol and sponsored many during their journey to sobriety. He was a Master Mason, serving as Worshipful Master of Mount Dora Lodge No. 238 in Mt. Dora Florida, as well being a 32rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Orlando. He was an officer in Semper Fi Council No. 95 Knight Masons, Past High Priest in the Eustis No. 33, RAM, Past Illustrious Master of Golden Triangle Council No. 20, R&SM and Past Eminent Commander of Triangle Commandery No. 38, Knights Templar. He was also a member of Shriners International at Bahia Shrine in Orlando. He served the Order of the Eastern Star as Worthy Patron in Mt. Dora Florida alongside his wife Kathy and daughter Julia. He was also active in the Masonic youth group the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, where he earned the Grand Cross of Color. He was a great friend, husband, father, and grandfather and through decades of personal sacrifices, he helped to lay the foundation for the life and opportunities his family now enjoys.
His son Matthew was with him in his last days, which were spent sharing stories, asking how his friends and family were, and laughing. The last words his family said to him were that they loved him. He was an honorable man, a Navy man, a loving man, a Masonic man, and one who will never be forgotten. If you knew him, honor his legacy and over the years to come teach all you know what a great man he was. If you are able, please come to his service starting at 6PM on May 10th at the Peninsular Masonic Lodge No. 85 at 1234 Wells Ave, Tavares, FL 32778. Please come share stories of your time with Mark, how he made this world a better place, and celebrate a wonderful man’s amazing life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tax deductible donation in Mark’s Name to: York Rite Charities; 941 Candle Berry Road, Orlando, FL 32825.
