Doyle L. Draper, age 67 of Malvern, went to be with the Lord early Saturday morning, August 4, 2007, at St. Joseph Mercy Health Center in Hot Springs after a 10 year battle with cancer. He was born in Hot Spring County on October 17, 1939 to the late Clifford A. and Ruby Jean Porterfield Draper. Reared and educated in Malvern, Doyle retired from Reynolds Cable after 27 years of employment. Doyle was a Master Craftsman Upholsterer. This was his job "on the side", but everyone knows that it developed early on as a fulltime passion, at which he was deemed the best. Doyle referred to himself as just an old country boy. He did good work and people trusted him. Doyle was a member of the Sulphur Springs Hunting Club and of the Immanuel Baptist church He was saved at the age of 10 and was baptized at the Fairhaven Missionary Baptist Church. Doyle was married for nearly 50 years to his childhood sweetheart, Becky Bray Draper, whom he met in the fifth grade. They married on May 23, 1958 in Donaldson at the home of Brother Lloyd Lemons.

His survivors include his wife, Becky, of the home; by one son, Gary L. Draper and his wife Deanna "DeeDee" of Malvern; by the lights of his life, his two grandchildren, Amanda Brooke Draper and Zachary Garrett Draper; by two brothers, Clifford "Runt" Draper and his wife Joyce, and Raymond and his wife Betty Draper, all of Malvern; one sister, Elizabeth and her husband Jim Gordon of Malvern; and by numerous beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, and a host of dear friends.

Doyle's funeral will be held at the graveside in Oak Ridge Cemetery on Wednesday morning, August 8, 2007, at ten o'clock, with Brother John Owen officiating. All those planning to attend are asked to consider the heat and dress comfortably.

The pallbearers, who are also encouraged to dress comfortably ( NO coats and ties!) will be: Jason Riggan, Todd Bray, Monty Ledbetter, Terry Lawrence, Tim Bear, Tony Draper, Gary and Eddie Conklin, and Randy Dugger.

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Tuesday evening, August 7, 2007, from six until nine o'clock. Memorials are requested o the Malvern Animal Shelter.

We invite you to leave a message for the family. We are concerned for the privacy of our client families and want you to know that your message to them is secure. Please send your message email to J.A.Funk Funeral Home.