Richard Lee “Rick” Draeger 75, of Columbus died Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Born April 6, 1948. Rick was the son of Paul Orval and Letha Faye (Hanks) Draeger.They preceded him in death. Rick was also preceded in death by a brother Carter Ray Draeger.
Rick attended school at Morman Country School grades 1-8 and graduated with the class of 1966 from Cherokee County Rural High School. He went on to study computer programming at Pittsburg State University, where he was offered a job as the chief computer programmer. PSU is still using the enrollment software that Rick created. Rick then went on to work for Yellow Freight in Baxter as a truck driver for 31 years; also serving as the Chief Union Steward for 27 years.
Over the years Rick attended church at Sherwin Christian Church and First Presbyterian Church where he taught the high school class for several years, and later attended Center Christian Church.
Rick was involved in community leadership as the Township Treasurer for six years; he was elected and served eight years on USD 493 School Board serving as President seven of those years; he was appointed to serve on Columbus City Council; and he coached baseball during their two son’s years growing up. Rick and Janet operated the Sears Catalog and Display Store for six and a half years.
Rick was a pitcher for the Columbus Bombers semipro baseball team. He spent many years and weekends at Table Rock Lake Home in Eagle Rock, Missouri. After retirement they lived there 8 years and he was elected road commissioner in the Eagle Rock areas for 7 years as president, then moving back to Columbus in 2014. He also invented and produced E-Z Key.
Rick and Janet Grace Reeves, his high school sweetheart, were united in marriage October 11, 1968. They were married 55 years. To that union were born two sons Richard Scott Draeger (Becky), and Benjamin Reeves Draeger (Elesha). Rick is also survived by four grandchildren Miata Baker, Makayla Belcher (Silas), Cameron Draeger, and Katelyn Draege; three great granddaughters Brecklyn Baker, Brynlee Baker, Eden Belcher; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Rick had a wide range of knowledge and skills and always believed in leaving things better than he found them, and was often found helping others at home and at the lake. Rick loved God and his son Jesus Christ and studied The Holy Bible all his life, teaching his family and others the Word. Rick loved his family and loved helping them with projects and activities. Rick stated that his most important interest was Janet, his wife and best friend, and his family. Having many hobbies, Rick stated it could all be summed up in one phrase- Living life to the fullest and walking and talking daily to God, his creator and looking forward to eternity with Jesus Christ our Savior.
Cremation arrangements were under the care of Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus. A memorial service was held Monday, October 9.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to Columbus Community Ball Fields in care of the funeral home.