Geore W. Raper, 51, Osawatomie, died Monday, June 24, 2002, at his home.

He was born Nov. 24, 1950, in Garnett, the son of Nelson and June Bearly Raper. He attended elementary school in Parker and was a 1969 graduate of Osawatomie High School.

After his graduation he went to work as a welder for Taylor Forge Engineered Systems in Paola where he remained for 15 years. He then began working as a school custodian. He was at Holy Trinity School in Paola, at Osawatomie High School for 12 years and then Paola High School.

He married Phyllis Hunsperger and they were later divorced. He then married Cindy Dial and their marriage ended in divorce.

He and Norma Jean Dade were married May 7, 1999, in Miami, Okla.

Mr. Raper was a former member of the First Baptist Church in Osawatomie.

He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, who died in infancy.

Survivors include his wife, Norma Raper of the home; his mother, June Raper of Garnett; a brother Charles Raper of LaCygne; and two sisters, Mary Laird of Richmond, and Martha Kern of Ulysses, Kan.

Graveside services were Friday in Goodrich Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association in care of Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home in Osawatomie.