Lou R. Drappo

Lou R. Drappo, age 97, passed away in her Beavercreek, Ohio, home April 2, 2026, amidst her family. Born at the family farmstead in Sand Springs, Tennessee, May 8, 1928, to Alfred Nathaniel "Nate" and Cora Bell (Dixon) Welch, she was preceded in death by her parents; older sisters, Bonnie Conley, Sidell Cooper and Robbie McClain; and special niece, Margie Chlebek. She is survived by her dear little sister, Georgia Wellman. Her family's rich heritage includes operating a sand quarry on the farmstead that employed many local young men, running a cannery during WWII, and helping neighbors in need.

Her beloved husband of 58 years, Walter E. Drappo, passed away 20 years ago in April. Together, they built American Financial Planners Insurance. They leave behind three daughters and sons-in-law; Diana & Chuck Gast, Mary & Brian Normile and Sandra and Mark Henderson; six grandchildren, Michael (Emily) Bir, Brian "Nate" (Laura) Bir, Kevin Normile, Dennis (Emma) Normile, Cassie (Joe) Books, Jennie (Greg) Rhees; ten great grand-children, Stella and Sophia Bir, Dean Bir, Genevieve, Cormac and Cosette Normile, Isabella Chapa and Evelyn Books, Ava and Krissy Rhees; and many other cherished family members and friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am-11:00am, on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, where Funeral Services will begin at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Park Cemetery, Beavercreek.

Donations may be made in Lou's memory to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH, 45420 (digital link provided below), or to the charity of one's choice.

To share a memory of Lou or leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.