Jack Joseph Drapela

Jack Joseph Drapela, whose radiant spirit illuminated every space he entered, peacefully departed this world on July 14, 2026, at the Auberge of Sugar Land Memory Center, succumbing to the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on November 21, 1942, in Bay City to Margaret E. Collins Drapela and John A. Drapela, Jack was the third of five children, growing up with two older sisters plus a younger brother and sister. His maternal grandmother lived with the family in their modest two-bedroom, one-bath home in Bay City. Jack often humorously remarked that he had been taking directions from women all his life, so there was no need to add a wife!

Jack graduated from Bay City High School and devoted his working years to a diverse career that spanned construction, accounting and retail. His pride in serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, reflected his unwavering commitment to duty and his passion for service. A devoted Catholic, Jack actively participated in the Catholic community throughout his life.

He worked in the construction office during the building of Greenway Plaza. He cherished the moments when he was able to bring his nephews to watch the concrete trucks pouring the foundation for one of the buildings.

From the mid-1980s to the 1990s, Jack spent a transformative decade in Nuremberg, Germany, where he worked in bookkeeping for the Army’s Servicemen Clubs. His time in Germany was a source of joy for him, and he frequently reminisced about the experiences he had there— ask any member of the family what he did for his 50th birthday or about the time, during a family visit, Harriet was laughing so hard she let their mother in her wheelchair loose on a hill. While in Germany, he also served as an English-speaking tour guide at a national museum and also became active in the Army sponsored scouting program.

Speaking of scouting, it was defiantly one of his lifelong passions. He loved being referred to by his family as the oldest “Cub Scout in Houston” (he worked with the cubs more than the boy scouts). Jack mentored Cub Scouts to Eagle Scouts as well as leaders and parents. He radiated pride and love when he was able to be present for his Great Nephew Lee Drapela’s Eagle Scout Award ceremony. Lee continues to carry Jack’s passion and love for giving and providing leadership in the Scouts.

Jack’s creativity shined through in his Many Many hobbies (ask his sister Mary Olive about his craft room/wing of their house). He crafted exquisite, beaded jewelry and intricately designed greeting cards for family and friends out of the over 900 rubber stamps he had. Jack was also known for making beautiful rosaries, tying them with love and frequently donating them to anyone in need. Jack also made rosaries which included names spelled out in beads on each decade. These were given to family and friends, often becoming cherished family heirlooms.

Jack became known as “Uncle Jack” not only by his nephews and nieces but also most of the scouters and leaders plus anyone who knew him. Family was very important to Uncle Jack where he was a constant presence at significant events and all family events. Fond memories include taking his nephews on adventures in the truck, taking kites out for them to fly, going on nature walks, doing crafts, etc.

Jack enjoyed sitting in his outdoor reading room to read, nap or just enjoy being outside. Anything and everything outside he enjoyed including taking the dogs for walks.

Jack was preceded in death by his father Johnny; mother Margaret; sisters Harriet Janise and Margaret Adele Rainey; brother-in-law Eddie Janise; nephew Matt Rainey and great-niece Savannah Rainey.

He is survived by his brother, Ned Drapela and wife Doris, sister Mary Olive Drapela (all of Wharton), and his nephews -- Eddie and Jennifer Janise, Nathan and Pam Janise, Gary and Jill Janise, Mitch Rainey and Dan DiDonato, Mark and Margaret Rainey, Mike and Lorena Rainey, Ned Jr. and Carol Drapela, and John Drapela, great-nieces/nephews and great-great-nephews.

Jack Joseph Drapela will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, laughter, creativity, and family devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

To visit with family and friends about Jack’s extraordinary life, a visitation will take place at Wharton Funeral Home, 515 E Boling Hwy, Wharton, TX 77488, on Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 4pm until 6pm at which time a rosary service will be led by Deacon Jose Ugarte.

A graveside service is scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026 at 2pm at Roselawn Cemetery, FM 2540, Van Vleck, TX 77414, officiated by Deacon Wally Rodriquez.

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be given to the Boy Scouts, Sam Houston District, Houston, TX; St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, School Fund, Houston, TX; any charity of your choice; or plant a tree in Jack’s name!

Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.