Michael Elihu Draper

Michael Elihu Draper “Mike”, 83, passed away, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 in Chandler, Arizona, after a brief illness. He was born January 13, 1942 in Culver City, California, the son of Dennis N. Draper and Evelyn Webb Dazley. He was a loving husband father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Mike was raised in Bountiful, Utah, where he attended and graduated from Bountiful High School. He married the love of his life, Janice Palmer on October 13, 1961. They were the proud parents of 7 children, Rae Smith, Karma (Bruce) Hanson, Mike (Janeen) Draper, Jennifer (Tom) Stefanoff, Sharen Keil, Anthony Draper, Matthew Draper, 16 grandchildren, Heather Walden, Ashley Perez, Ryan Smith, Craig Hanson, Nicole Hanson, Launjet Uhrich, Kiri Draper, Aaron Stefanoff, Brittany Farell-Krutsch, Jian Keil, Amanda Keil, Derrick Keil, Chi Keil, Kayden, Draper, Travis Draper, Zion Draper and 11 great-grandchildren, Kurtis Walden, Gregory Walden, Lucius Perez, Jade Perez, Eastin Bloom, Kynzlie Bloom, River Acklin, Conner Farrell, Avery Krutsch, Tasi Tauveli and Ava Rodriguez

Mike was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many leadership roles including his most recent calling as Stake President of the Concho Branch.

He served his country with pride and unwavering dedication, embodying a deep love for his country. He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who had a deep passion for fishing and hunting. He passed on his love for nature to his children, teaching them to appreciate and enjoy its abundance.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Janice, along with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and sisters, Wilma and Ruthann.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Dennis and sisters, Denise, Joan and Linda.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Johns Stake Center, 35 West Cleveland Street, St. Johns, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery 401 West Center Street, Taylor.