Jonathan Robert Draughn was born on October 12, 1977, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jonathan was the baby of four children and the prized baby boy. Early on in life, he developed a love for animals and the outdoors. Upon moving to Texas in 1986, this love of nature developed into fishing in every waterhole he could find in the neighborhood and nearby. The neighborhood boys were always walking with poles in their hands. He was so happy with his purchase of his first “boat”. As a family, we did not think it would float but did not want to dampen his spirit.
As a child he was very close and protective of his sister, Stephanie. They were very close in age and he always took care of her. He could not wait until he graduated from high school to get on with his life. He knew he wanted to be a boiler maker and he made that happen right after high school. Very early in life, he was a private and independent person. He wanted land and he wanted to live in the county; Away from “people”, he said.
He began his dream of buying land in Fred, Texas, and creating his home. He wanted to do it all on his own, from building his own smokehouse to digging his own water well. Animals had a place on his land, from goats to pigs. We used to tease him that he would become a goat farmer. He settled right in.
Jonathan was born to Steve and Roberta (12/2023) Draughn. He is survived by his father, Steve Draughn; sister, Denise Willingham and Brandon Willingham (01/2024); sister, Patricia Draughn and wife, Ann; and sister, Stephanie Draughn. He will be missed by his niece, Roberta, nephews, Adrian and Andrew and great nephew, Braylon.
Private burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Orange, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to toe Coastal Conservation Association.
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