Fred Graper

Fred Graper, 89, died peacefully in his home at Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau on Thursday, July 21, 2011.

He was born Jan. 11, 1922, in Princeton, Ind., son of Frederick Eric Graper and Eva Land Graper Sr.

After attending Franklin College in Franklin, Ind., Mr. Graper joined the Army and was assigned to duty in the Southeast Asia Command. While stationed at SEAC headquarters in Kandy, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), he met the love of his life, Agnes Huth. They were happily married for over 60 years.

Following the war, the Grapers began a new adventure when Mr. Graper became an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. After assignments in Philadelphia, El Paso and Alpine, Texas, he became the special agent in charge (SAC) of the FBI office in Carbondale, Ill., in 1954. Graper retained that position until his retirement.

In retirement, Fred and Agnes lived in Cherokee Village, Ark., and Palm Coast, Fla., before moving to Cape Girardeau in 2000.

Throughout his life, Fred Graper was an active member of the Presbyterian church and was involved in his community in any way he was needed. He was a charming and outgoing man who was very proud of his family and his career.

Survivors include: daughters, Kandy and husband Don Litchfield of Bloomingdale, Ill., Debbie and husband Gary Thomas of Makanda, Ill., Margaret and husband Bill Wiegel of Whittier, N.C.; sons, Michael and wife Jamie of Arpin, Wis., Timothy and wife Pam of Vesper, Wis.; brother, Robert Graper of Danville, Ind.; sister, Kathleen Bonadies of Pinehurst, N.C.; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes; his parents; and a sister.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 12 at Chateau Girardeau, with the Rev. Jeff Long officiating.

Burial will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo., with military services provided by the Missouri Honors Team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Chateau Girardeau Scholarship Fund, 3120 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or to a charity of your choice.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.