John Gavin Graper, 92, of Princeton, IN, passed away at his home on June 5, 2024. He was born to the late William and Hulda (Romershausen) Graper on January 19, 1932, in Princeton, IN.

John was a member of St. Lucas United Church of Christ where he taught Sunday school for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Fort Branch VFW post #2714. He graduated from Princeton Community High School in 1950 and entered the United States Navy in 1952 where he served in the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Dorothy Meier, on March 29, 1957, and together they had 3 children. John was a lifelong farmer of corn and soybeans where he also raised hogs. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, bird watching, cracking pecans, the outdoors, and the weather. He could make anything with his hands and enjoyed doing welding and metal work.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Francis Pugh and Ben Graper, and a daughter-in-law, Donna Graper.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Dorothy Graper of Princeton, IN; children, Tina (Ray) Burton of Princeton, IN, David Graper of Fort Branch, IN, and Tom (April) Graper of Princeton, IN; grandchildren, Dwight Graper, Nathan (Ashley) Williams, Dalton Williams, and Gavin Graper; and a great grandchild, Harper Williams.

The family would like to extend their immense gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lucas United Church of Christ in Fort Branch, IN, with Pastor Cliff Herring officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Military Honors will be performed by the Veterans of Gibson County at St. Lucas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to St. Lucas United Church of Christ. Expressions of sympathy can be made at stodghillfuneralhome.com.

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