Mr. Napoleon Draine was born August 7, 1955 in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Samuel T. and Catherine (Hopper) Draine. He passed away Monday, March 23, 2020 at the age of 64 years.
Napoleon, lovingly called “Po Po” by family and friends, attended Saginaw High School. He moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1984 and that was his residence until his passing. He was a former member of Renaissance C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Pastor McMurray.
Po Po worked most of his adolescent years and through his adulthood. His employment included General Motors Corporation, Raskan Baking and Seidman Dematic. He was an extremely hard-working man. It was during his employment at General Motors that he met the love of his life, Cynthia. They dated for a year and married in 1981. True to their vows, they were together almost 40 years, honoring “til death do us part.”
Po Po’s hobbies included talking on the phone with his family and friends, listening to music, watching the news and his favorite TV shows. He loved attending plays, comedy shows, concerts and parties with his wife by his side. A well-dressed man, Po Po was always stylish and well-groomed, often referring to himself as the coolest thing since ice cubes.
Po Po definitely had a love for family, especially his children and grandchildren. He loved his siblings dearly and shared a deep bond with them and his nieces and nephews. He will truly be missed in such a way.
Napoleon was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Catherine Draine; brother, Clyde Draine; sister, Glenda Mae Draine; nephew, Quay Quay.
He leaves precious memories with his loving wife, Cynthia Draine, Grand Rapids, Michigan; six children, Eboni Collins (MarQuawn), Julian Draine (Kayla Jean), both of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Shawnda Hill (Farris), Saginaw, Michigan, Damarko Young (Angelica), Tennessee, Shelina Harris, Saginaw, Michigan, Napoleon Sledge, Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Elexia, Elyse, Edward Charles III, Gary, Ceiara, Malik, Perri, Anaiya, Cali, Tyler, Samiya, Miracle, Cali, Marko Jr., ShyAngel, Dakasha, Damauri, Amya, Nacrecia, Bryson, Ken’Teanna, Tatiana, Kenny III; great-grandchildren, London, De’Anthony, Antwaine Jr., Jaceyon, Kaylin, Kaliyah, Kennedy, Kamari, Kyrie; sisters, Margaret and Diane; brothers, Pastor K.T., Lavon and Curtis Draine; nieces, Charlene, KeKe, Tangela, Ashley, Monique, Denise; nephews, Clifton, Tyrone, Walter, Shannon, K.T., Leonard, Nuke, Carl, Sammy; uncles, Fred Quinn, Reverend D. Aldridge, K.D. and S.T. Draine; special cousin, Sherry and her mother Aunt Delma; many other relatives and friends.
The family would like to express special thanks to Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.
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