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Ronald E. Draves
1934 - 2008
Ronald E. Draves, 73, a resident of Sunnycrest Nursing Center in Dysart,
formerly of Marion, died Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, at the care center following
an extended illness. Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Marion Christian
Church, Marion, by the Rev. Dr. Robert Kunz. The family will greet friends from
10 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the church. Arrangements by Murdoch
Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Bev; a son David Draves Sr. of Marion; a
brother, Ralph Draves of Texas; a sister, Norma Haltom of Ames; seven
grandchildren, Damien, Ian, David Jr., Elizabeth, Avery, Olivia and Christian;
and one great-grandson, Elliott
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Elizabeth; and a son Marcus.
Ronald was born Oct. 31, 1934, the son of Harry and Elizabeth (Pepper) Draves,
in Klemme, Iowa. He graduated from Klemme High School in 1953 and from the
University of Iowa in 1957. Ron served in the United States Army from 957 to
1959. He then married Beverly Trumper on Nov. 1, 1959, at the Marion Christian
Church. Ron served as a D.N.R. officer for 31 years, retiring in 1997.
He was a member of the Isaac Walton League and taught Hunting Safety Education
to thousands of teenagers in the area. He loved to hunt and fish. Ron was a true
conservationist. Throughout his career, he witnessed many ecological and
wildlife triumphs, including the reintroduction of wild turkeys, the skillful
management of the expanding whitetail deer population, the "great immigration"
of pheasants from the Dakotas into Iowa, and watching the Pleasant Creek State
Park at Palo evolve into a first-class fishery and recreational area. Ron was a
family man and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandson.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ron's memory.
source: Cedar Rapid Gazette, 8 Sep 2008, page 7B, column 4
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