Jack Lane Draney

Jack Lane Draney died peacefully on May 21, 2017. He was 88 years old.

Jack was born June 15, 1928 in Afton, Wyoming to Jesse and Ruby Draney. He was the seventh of eight children. His father was a forest ranger and Jack spent much of his childhood on horseback in the mountains. His love for fishing was nurtured by his father’s patience on the Wyoming stream-banks. Jack loved his family and cherished their time together.

Jack started driving a milk truck at the age of 14 due to the shortage of labor workers during WWII. The next two summers he drove a military dump-truck in Yellowstone Park. He also drove the school bus his junior and senior years in high school. He had fond memories of his friends at Star Valley High. There was always work to be done, but he found time to enjoy sports, music, and dancing.

Jack served an LDS mission in the Western States Mission. He served most of his time in the mission home in Denver, Colorado. He loved both of his mission presidents and always kept in contact with them. He felt privileged to tour his mission with Ezra Taft Benson.

He served as a scout master, high councilman, bishop, and many other callings. He loved those he served and spent many hours concerned about them.

Jack graduated from BYU in accounting. He loved BYU sports and attended many games. His family was very proud of him to be the first in the family to attend college. He worked at the AEC Site for several years, but was thrilled to begin private practice as a CPA. He worked for many years, always with integrity.

Jack married Katherine Cox on December 15, 1950. They were blessed with four children: Mark, Ray, Anna Marie, and Mary. He was a wonderful father. He loved surprises, especially at Christmas. He took the family on many adventurous trips.

On October 27, 1973, Mark and Ray were in a fatal airplane accident. Our hearts were broken, but Jack was our rock. He never questioned that they had a greater mission to serve. He immediately started flying lessons and taught us a lesson on facing our fears.

Jack served many years on the Shelley School Board. He made many faithful friends during this time. It wasn’t always easy, but he always cared about the students’ best interest.

Jack married Patricia Burkhardt Parks on March 29, 1986. They spent many years together traveling and spending time in their Shelley and Sun City homes.

Jack was always busy building, fixing, or solving a problem. It was so fitting to call him “Jack of all trades.” He built houses, overhauled cars, and could figure out how to put anything back together. He always had such words of wisdom to share. He had an amazing sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. But most of all, he was kind, loving and compassionate. We will miss you Dad and Grandpa.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at the Shelley South Stake Center (675 South Milton Ave) in Shelley. The family will meet with friends Monday evening from 6:00 till 7:30 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W Oak Street in Shelley and Tuesday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.