Roger Lee Draves

IN MEMORY OF: Roger Lee Draves Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Roger Lee Draves, 93, of Murphysboro passed away peacefully at 3:22 am on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Reflections in Carterville, Illinois. Roger was born on March 26, 1931, in Chester, IL, a son to the late Harry and Anna Draves. He was united in marriage to Esther Ruth Hartman on October 22, 1955, in Chester, IL. They enjoyed 62 wonderful years together before she passed on February 24, 2018. Roger lived a long and interesting life. He served his country, community, and church. With all the stories from the Army, Illinois State Police, and the Grandstand, the family often suggested he should write a book. He enjoyed his family, church, friends, fishing, golfing, high school sports, gardening and winters in Florida. In January, 1952, Roger was drafted into the US Army and deployed to Korea. SST Draves was a decorated combat veteran of the Korean War, awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Letter “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States. His first day in combat, at Triangle Hill, he read the 23rd Psalm from his prayer book. Others heard him and the verse was repeated all night. He was also involved in battles on such famous hills as Pork Chop and Old Baldy. His “career” life started in December, 1949, when he was hired as a knitter at the Prim Hosiery Mill in Chester. He was the youngest knitter ever hired. He worked there until the plant closed in 1955. Roger (badge #479) served 31 years with the Illinois State Police. Most of those years were spent in District 13, headquartered in DuQuoin. He retired as a Master Sergeant in December 1986. After retiring he was asked to serve as the Grandstand Supervisor during the DuQuoin State Fair. It was a fun job. He and Esther camped in the fair campground to shorten his commute. He enjoyed doing this for over 20 years. To rest up after the fair, they spent Octobers (camping and fishing) in Branson, Missouri. A faithful Christian and member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Murphysboro, Roger served as Elder and on the BOD several times. He was chairman of the rebuilding committee after the sanctuary was damaged by fire in 1965. Roger was a member of VFW Post #7190, American Legion Post #127. He was a member of the Jackson County YMCA BOD for 10 years. He was a member of numerous Law Enforcement organizations. He served on Oral Evaluation Boards for several departments at SIU for employment/promotion. He served on the Advisory Board for Vocational Education for Murphysboro Unit 186 School District. A proud Red Devils supporter, Roger enjoyed the successes of the Crimson Express, track, football and basketball teams. He also enjoyed following the expansion and excellence of the girls sports programs. Roger and Esther spent almost 30 winters snowbirding in southern Florida eventually landing in Lake San Marino, Naples, Florida. In the over 20 years they wintered there, they were deeply immersed in the community. Roger assisted with ticket sales for many of the park events and was on the committee organizing the weekly church services. They were known as "the smoothest dance partners" in the park. Survivors include two sons and one daughter-in-law, Scott and Valerie Draves and Steven Draves all of Murphysboro; two grandsons, Eric Draves of Chesterfield, MO, and Mitchell Draves of St. Louis, MO; and one sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Arthur Gerberding of Chester, IL. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Murphysboro with Rev. Matthew Christian officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro and from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church with tribute by The Illinois State Police Honor Guard. Interment will follow at Murdale Gardens of Memory in Murphysboro with military honors conducted by American Legion Post #127. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church Endowment Fund and/or Immanuel Lutheran School and will be accepted at the church or funeral home. Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro is in charge of arrangements.

Roger Lee Draves

March 26, 1931 - January 17, 2025