Glenn Dean Draper

Glenn Dean Draper of Nampa, formerly of Burley, left his home on May 13, 2023, to join his Heavenly Father. He was 83 years old. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM May 23, 2023, at First Christian Church in Nampa, Idaho. Condolences may be made to Dean’s family at https://www.nampafuneralhome.com. Funeral services are under the direction of Nampa Funeral Home-Yraguen, Nampa, 208-442-8171.

Glenn (Dean) was born on March 19, 1940, in Burley, Idaho to Glenn and Rose (Holmes) Draper. With the blessing of a mixed family, Dean was raised with 7 sisters and 1 brother.

Dean moved with his mother Rose and stepfather Frank to Boise, Idaho.  He spent his time with them during the school year and then would spend his summers in Burley with his father Glenn and stepmother Carrie. As a boy, Dean played both the trumpet and piano. His parents purchased a ski boat and would take it to the lake.  Dean became an excellent water skier and a very strong swimmer.  He enjoyed going to the Western Idaho State Fair in Boise each August. As he became older, he developed a love for cars, especially sports cars. Two of his favorites were a 1949 Chevy convertible which he customized himself.  He also owned a little black 1958 MG sports car.

Dean graduated from Boise High School in 1958.  He joined the National Guard and began working as the assistant manager at the Merc Department Store. It was there he met his soul mate, Marge Draper.  They only courted a brief time, before they knew they were meant to be together. They married on August 12, 1962.

Dean and Marge had two daughters, moved to Payette, and then later to Burley. Weekends were spent camping and fishing. Several trips were made to the family cabin in Hailey with family/friends both in the summer and during the winter holiday breaks to enjoy snowmobiling and skiing trips. Later once Dean and Marge retired, they moved to Nampa to be closer to family.

Dean was an exceptionally hard worker.  He accepted his first management position at age 27. He worked for the Merc Department Store for 23 years until May of 1985. In July of 1985 Dean and Marge purchased a business called Dean’s Donuts which included 3 stores. They operated the business for 5 years before closing it.  Dean went to work for Cassia County. He managed the fair, was a promoter, secretary/treasurer, and grounds keeper. During his 25 years of service, he managed tractor pulls, rodeos, concerts, and 4-H events.  All his granddaughters worked for him during one time or another and they looked forward to the fair season all year long.  His daughters and their families would come home for fair week every August, and everyone enjoyed the festivities.

He was a member of the Burley First Christian Church. He served as a deacon, an elder and served on the board. They traveled to St Louis, Missouri, Washington, DC, Bethany, West Virginia, and Los Angeles, California representing the church. When one of granddaughters accepted Christ and was ready to be baptized, Dean baptized her.

While living in Burley, Dean was active in his community. He was a member of the Lions Club, the ELKs Club, and the JC’s. He served as the Board of Director for the Chamber of Commerce.  He served as a board member for the Rocky Mountain Association Fairs and the Idaho State Rodeo Queens Committee. He was President of the Idaho Fair Association and Vice President of Syringa Plaza.

He was very talented woodworker. When his granddaughters where small he built detailed dollhouses complete with wallpaper, windows/doors, and miniature furniture.  He made rocking horses, cradles, and highchairs for the dolls. He also was very talented with a scroll saw.  He created beautiful artwork including wall hangings of the Lord’s prayer, the Lord’s Supper, and a 50th wedding plaque which he presented to his wife at their Anniversary celebration. He also made Christmas ornaments, clocks, and a chess set. Woodcarving became another passion and even though he didn’t feel he was very good at it; they were all beautiful. His family cherishes every piece he made, especially since it was made from a man with so much love in his heart.

Throughout the years Dean and Marge enjoyed traveling. They attended the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada seventeen years in a row. They enjoyed visiting fairs and taking trips with friends to various states. Among their favorite places to visit was Sedona, Arizona and San Juan Capistrano, California.

Dean enjoyed gardening, traveling, camping, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, concerts, rodeo, fairs, watching sporting events, and NASCAR. Most of all Dean loved his family. He demonstrated this in many ways. Dean spent the last 10 years tending to the care of his wife until she passed. Dean frequently called his daughters and family members, asked for prayers for them and never hung up without telling them he loved them.

Dean is survived by his loving family including many siblings, his children, grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He will be remembered and missed by all those who loved him.

Memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church 619 12th Ave. S. Nampa, ID 83651.

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