Lynn Draper, founder of Jim Thorpe Atheltic Association

Grace Thorpe asked me to attend this WALTER CAMP FOUNDATION AWARDS DINNER at Yale in Connecticut.

The awards dinner ceremony at Yale

 

 

Jim Thorpe display at Yale

 

LYNN DRAPER, OBIT

LYNNE DRAPER Obituary

Jan. 26, 1937 - Oct. 27, 2016  

TUTTLE 

W. Lynne Draper departed this earthly body on Oct. 27, 2016, in favor of a final venture in the spirit. Born in Hominy, Oklahoma, on Jan. 26, 1937, the son of William H. and Rubye Mae Draper, he graduated from Classen High School in 1955 and attended The University of Oklahoma, becoming a member of Phi Kappa Sigma. Dropping out of school after one year to become a ballroom dance instructor, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 21 and served three years, including 18 months in Alaska.After service, he became a reporter, covering Oklahoma state government and the legislature. This was followed by several years as publisher of an insurance trade magazine and then a career in public relations, promotion and organization. In 1986, to provide a source of pride and spirit by bringing positive national attention to Oklahoma, he and a local talk radio host created the Jim Thorpe Award for the nation's best college defensive back. He then formed the Jim Thorpe Association to manage the award and was the driving force behind the building of the Jim Thorpe Museum and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Chapter of the NFL Players Association and numerous awards, scholarships and youth programs. He also was a founder and the first president of the National College Football Awards Association. The awards he received included induction into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, the Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award, the NFL Players Association National Award of Excellence, the Oklahoma City/County Historical Society Pathmaker Award, Downtown Now's Pioneer Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. 

He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Carol; sons, Earl, David, Douglas, Dale, Dane, Daniel, and Donald; daughter, Denise; sister, Elaine; brothers, Forest and David; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial Service will be Tuesday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. at Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, 4040 N. Lincoln Blvd., OKC. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame/Jim Thorpe Association, 4040 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, OK 73105, for the Bright Path Youth Program. 

 

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.mercer-adams.com www.mercer-adams.com

 

 

The Jim Thorpe Award, named in memory of multi-sport athlete Jim Thorpe, has been awarded to the top defensive back in college football since 1986. It is voted on by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.