Donald William Graper, 92, of Princeton, IN, passed away at Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN, on June 13, 2024. He was born to the late George A. and Viola M. (Kuester) Graper on February 21, 1932, in Fort Branch, IN.

Donald was a member of St. Lucas United Church of Christ where he served on the cemetery board for 40 years. He graduated from Fort Branch High School in 1950 and entered the United States Army where he served in the Korean War. He also attended Purdue University to obtain an 8-week agricultural degree. He married the love of his life, Evelyn Janet Schuessler, on March 29, 1953. Together, they had 5 beautiful children. Farming was his lifelong occupation but also his passion along with gardening. Family and church were the most important things in his life. He enjoyed Sunday picnics after church with his family during the summer and traveling and vacationing with his loving wife Evelyn.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Evelyn Graper; and siblings, Jerry Graper and Georgia Ann Schuessler.

Donald is survived by his children, Donna (Doug) Potts of Newburgh, IN, Deanna (Rick) Wilson of Fort Branch, IN, Diana (Steve) Dycus of Princeton, IN, Donald R. (Lisa) Graper of Fort Branch, IN, and Debra (Jay) Stevens of Princeton, IN; grandchildren, Jennifer (Matt) Candler, Derrick (Jamie) Potts, Deidra Potts, Rachel (Robbie) Hollis, Dustin Potts, Scott Wilson, Donald J. Graper, Demi (Eric) Westlund, Zane (Tessa) Graper, Neva (Alyssa) Luttrull, Blake (Kaylin) Stevens, Sabrina (Nolan) Goebel, Brit (Keela) Stevens, Arielle (Harrison) Wilson; great grandchildren, Bailey Wilson, Jada James, Delanie Potts, Blaire Hollis, Avery Candler, Morgan Hollis, Desie Potts, Brooks Westlund, Marley Stevens, Corah Jane Westlund, Heidi Joy Stevens, Kailo Luttrull, Frankie Stevens, Bellamy Luttrull, Nova Graper, Cole Hollis, Wrenley Stevens, Zealand Wilson, and Ellie Goebel; siblings, Wanda Wagner of Fort Branch, IN and Janice Menke of Huntingburg, IN.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nursing staff and faculty at River Oaks Health Campus and Linda E. White Hospice House for their wonderful care.

Funeral Services will be on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at St. Lucas United Church of Christ with Pastor Tanya Schmitz officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 16, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Military Honors will be performed by the Veterans of Gibson County at St. Lucas Cemetery during committal services. Donations in his honor can be made to the St. Lucas United Church of Christ Cemetery Fund. Expressions of sympathy can be made at stodghillfuneralhome.com.

St. Lucas United Church of Christ
6777 S 350 E, Fort Branch IN 47648