Charles M. Draper of Urbana, Illinois, passed away Friday January 27, 2017 at Carle Foundation Hospital following a brief illness. A memorial reception will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 1st at Renner Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, Urbana. A memorial service at the funeral home will be held Thursday, February 2nd at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.

He was born Charles Maynard Draper in Verdon Nebraska September 19, 1934 a son of Fred R. and Virgine M. Robbins Draper. He married Norma Jean Everett August 1, 1953 in Urbana Illinois. She preceded him in death on November 17, 2009. They had no children but counted several as their own, having provided child care in their home for many years.

Mr. Draper attended primary school in Nebraska, one year at Abingdon Illinois High School and graduated from Champaign High School.

He was employed by the Sears Roebuck Company, starting in Champaign in 1960 and was transferred to the Sears store in Galesburg Illinois. After leaving Sears, he sold insurance with Country Companies, sold oil products and worked for Larry Skinner in Abingdon. He returned to the Champaign area in 1985 and worked for Sholem Shoes, and then for the University of Illinois as a custodian retiring in 1997. He was a sergeant with the Illinois National Guard from 1954-1960.

Following his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed many years together selling their crafts and leather goods as vendors at flea markets, especially at Gordyville, the Spoon River Festival and the farmers market in Urbana. Mr. Draper owned and operated his own business called Urban Leather and custom made many items for friends, family and customers including belts, gun holsters, phone cases and key fobs. He also loved genealogy and researching his family tree, loved a good joke and teasing his many "girlfriends". He and his wife loved playing Bingo at several local establishments and wherever they vacationed.

He is survived by brother-in law Gene (Sue) Everett of Gibson City, sister-in-law Patricia (Herschel) Graham of Urbana; nieces and nephews: Arlie Dale (Loretta) Draper, Plattsmouth, NE; Darrel (JoAnne) Draper, Omaha, NE; Lester McConaha of Louisiana; Janice (Ron) Weiss, St. Louis, MO; Judy (Bill) Monroe Abingdon; Terry (Bonnie) Mason, Lawson, MO; Ronald (Judy) Draper, Abingdon; David (Cindy) Draper, Bloomington; Kevin (Nancy) Draper, Katy TX; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Jessie, Fred Wayne, Daniel, Thomas and Joseph; two sisters Alice McConaha and Mary Shaw and one nephew James C. Draper.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for Charles' interment expenses or to a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.