Paul Raper

Paul Raper, 84, of Bourbonnais, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born December 12, 1940, in Grant County, Indiana the son of Lloyd and Mildred (Swartz) Raper. In May of 1962, he married Eleanor Gaffney. He worked at Kankakee Ropers for many years and retired from Natural Light in Tyler, Texas. Paul enjoyed bowling, woodworking, tinkering in the garage, and fishing. He was also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. Paul is survived by three daughters, Cindy Ali of Fort Worth, Texas, Melanie (Vern) Denton of West Frankfort, and Tammy Lafond of Bourbonnais; daughter-in-law, Tina Raper-Black of Bourbonnais; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; as well as special nephew and niece, Roger (Shelly) Fox and Robin (Marlan) Kirch. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor Raper; sons, Gary, Rick, and Randy Raper; parents; and siblings, Wayne Raper and Clara Goodrich. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 4 p.m. until the service at 7 p.m. at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee. Burial will be at noon on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Mound Grove Cemetery, Kankakee. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.