William Draper
Age - 95
December 7, 2023
William "Bill" Draper
William Washington Draper, Jr. , "The Legendary Horse Whisperer" of Niagara County, entered into eternal rest at the age of 95 on December 3, 2023, at home on the farm, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Wyoming PA, on December 19, 1927, the son of the late William Washington, Sr. and Hannahbelle (Phillips) Draper. Predeceased by his brother Lafe (Ethel) Morgan, Guyon (Barb) Draper, and sister Mary Jane (Bob) Barber. He moved to Niagara Falls in 1936. Bill worked at the Hooker/Occidental Chemical Corp as a Tank Car Repairman for 42 years, but his true lifelong passion, was for horses and bull riding. He was an original member of the PBR, a champion bull and bronco rider, steer wrestler, calf roper and all-around horse showman and trainer. Bill rodeoed and performed with such notables as the Cisco Kid, the Lone Ranger, Hub Hubbell, and met many famous cowboys, including Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and his horse Trigger. Good friend of Matlock Rose, trainer of 5 AQHA World Champions. He was the original corrective blacksmith in WNY and southern Ontario Canada and gave many clinics at the Cornell University Veterinary School. In 1944, he was the International all-around Champion and three time all around World Champion. Not only was Bill sure and steady in the saddle, he was also very light on his feet, square and round dancing with his wife for over 30 years as well as bowling in the Senior leagues at both Frontier and Rapids Lanes. He proudly served the US Army during World War II as part of the 86 Blackhawk, 104 Infantry in the Philippines, as 1st scout out, cannoneer, and was a sharpshooter medal recipient. Bill loved working on the farm he created with his family, always helping anyone in need, a philosophy he got from his mother. He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years Dolores (Dee) May (Delong) of Sanborn, his loving daughter Hannah Lynn (Frank)Davis, 3 granddaughters Tricia Ann (Frank), Courtney Lynn, Ashleigh Ryan (John), 6 great-grandchildren Cameron Michael, Aidan Rhys, Clover Hannahbelle, Rory Alan, Crimson Ezekiel Behr, Cyane Maeve, uncle of Sharon (Hans) Braun and many more nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 10am to 12 pm on Friday December 8, 2023 at Rhoney Funeral Home, 5893 Hoover Rd, Sanborn, Funeral services to follow at 12pm. Private burial at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice.Show more
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