We won first, second and third place at the ALSA llama Competition in the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair in Arthur, IL on Sat., July 17, 2010.

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On November 18, 1952, Gary Draper was born to Earlie and Jessie Draper at Homer G Phillips Hospital in St. Louis MO. He grew up in St. Louis, and attended Soldan High School and several trade schools for up-holstery. He loved doing upholstery and has worked, owned and operated several upholstery shops in the St. Louis area since the age of 18. At the time of his death he co-owned Upholstery Unlimited, a business he originated that evolved into a partnership with Walter Ratliff and Ricky Robinson.

In 2006 Gary had a heart transplant at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.

In 2009 Gary went into the llama and alpaca business along with his soul mate, Denise Hollinshed. He became known in communities throughout the St. Louis area as they traveled with their petting zoo, Eagle Eye Alpaca and Llama Haven. They often traveled to competitions in Missouri and various parts of Illinois, where Gary became a sought after animal handler in the show ring. His efforts helped their animals to win competitions that he was most proud of. He loved the business and the people he met along the way. He was well liked and respected by all who met him.

After many illnesses and hospitalizations over the past few years, Gary was finally on the road to recovery and doing rather well. However, the Lord had other plans and saw fit to call him home on December 2, 2011 at 11:53am. Gary’s body was donated to Logan College of Chiropractic. Since he received a heart transplant in 2006, it was his desire to give back in a meaningful way to help others.

Gary leaves behind his soul mate, Denise Hollinshed, his son, Marlon Redmond, his father, three sisters, and two brothers.

Gary was a good natured person who was always upbeat and willing to help all who requested anything of him. He had few complaints, even though he experienced many medical complications. He will be greatly missed.

Our sympathy goes out to Denise and Gary’s families. We will miss him at the State Fair this year. He had such fun last year doing the obstacle course.

A donation was made to the University of Illinois Lama Research Fund in memory of Gary Draper from the Illinois Lama Association.