Rickey Lee Draft

Rickey Lee Draft, age 75, went to be with his Heavenly Father, on April 22, 2026. Though our hearts are heavy in his passing, we find comfort in knowing Rickey’s earthly burdens have been laid down and that he is now at peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While we grieve the loss of his voice, laughter, and steady presence, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and the day we will be together again.

Rickey was a hardworking mason by trade, working 40+ years for VanderJagt Brothers. He took great pride in looking back at the work of his hands, helping family and friends with projects, and providing for the family he loved so deeply. He was known for his strong spirit, his sense of humor, and his ability to tell a story like no one else. Whether it be sharing memories, jokes, or bedtime stories with his grandkids, Rickey had a way of making people laugh and feel at home in his presence.

He loved music, especially singing silly songs with children of all ages, and playing sports. He still holds a football record at Coopersville High School. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with those he loved most. Above all else, Rickey cherished his family. His greatest joy was being surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, watching his family grow, and sharing time together.

Rickey was blessed with the gift of a lung transplant on April 16, 2016, which granted him ten additional years filled with precious memories, family milestones, laughter, and time with those he loved most. His family remains deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received through Henry Ford Hospital and Ivy Rehab, which helped make those extra years possible.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Marcia Draft; his son, Kelly (Teresa) Draft; son-in-law Tony Geffert; grandchildren Alyssa and Levi Hecksel; Amber and Jake Grimm; Kristen Zemaitis; Erika and Henry Owsiak; great-grandchildren Weston and Nora Owsiak; Jackson and Adriana Hecksel; honorary great-granddaughter Addison VanPutten; sisters Pam Lemmen and Vicky McGee; sisters-in-law Nancy Draft and Shirley Draft;cherished family in the Netherlands, Hiltje and Gerritjan Van der Honing and their children; and many beloved extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents Larry and Norma Draft, Adrianna and Lester Langeland; sister Sheryl Ireland, brothers, Ron Draft and Barry Draft and his beloved daughter, Kendra Geffert.

Rickey’s absence will be deeply felt by many, but his stories, laughter, and love will live on through the family he cherished so deeply.

In keeping with his wish cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday, May 8, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Throop Funeral Home, 214 Church St. Coopersville, MI 49404. A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Coopersville Reformed Church, 423 W Randall St, Coopersville, MI 49404 with Herb Van Timmerman officiating. The family would like to invite everyone to join with them following the service for a luncheon at the Coopersville VFW Post 5598, 511 68th Ave N, Coopersville, MI 49404.

Memorial donations may be made to Guiding Light Kendra’s House, 255 Division Ave S Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Condolences for the family may be left on Rickey’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com.

Throop Funeral Home

Coopersville, 616-837-8161