92 Years Strong: How Obie Draper Finds Community and Joy at the YMCA

At the Semones YMCA, community isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something you feel the moment you walk through the doors. For Obie Draper, that feeling has kept him coming back for more than 20 years.

Obie and his wife, Delois, have been longtime members of the Semones branch, building friendships and memories that reflect the true spirit of the YMCA. A Dallas native and proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Obie’s life story is one of service, resilience, and dedication. During his military career, he even took part in early hydrogen bomb testing, an extraordinary chapter in a remarkable life.

Today, at 92 years old, Obie continues to show up with the same strength and commitment, this time, to his health and his community.

Together, Obie and Delois regularly attend Active Older Adult Chair Yoga classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They’ve also been a staple at the branch’s monthly potlucks for nearly two decades, bringing not only food but warmth, laughter, and connection to everyone around them.

Their presence is felt throughout the branch, and their kindness leaves a lasting impression on members and staff alike.

Obie is also an active participant in the YMCA’s Veteran Connect group, where he continues to build relationships and share experiences with fellow veterans. His dedication to staying engaged and connected is a powerful reminder that community has no age limit.

In a recent video, Obie shared what keeps him coming back to the Y:

“It’s a friendly face… we’re here to have a good time, and we have a good relationship with employees. I do not know of one… not one that’s not cordial.”

Watch the video here:

For Obie, the YMCA is more than a place to exercise; it’s a place to belong.