Peter Dratter

Pete Dratter passed away in the early morning hours of May 2, 2025, at his home in Hurricane. He was 78. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Spilsbury Mortuary in Hurricane 25 2000 W, Hurricane, Utah on June 14, 2025, at 10AM MST and will also be streamed virtually with a link provided through the Mortuary.

Pete was born in Carbon County, Utah, on June 5, 1946. He and his family moved to Springdale, Utah, when Pete was a year old. John and Lena Dratter (Pete's parents) built the Zion Rest Motel (now Flanigan's Inn), one of the first motels in Springdale and a gas station that served Zion National Park in 1947. Pete, along with the other "upriver kids," attended Hurricane High School where he graduated in 1964.

After graduation, Pete helped build and run the Texaco gas station in Springdale (now the Whiptail Grill). In 1966, Pete and his best friend, Dexter Cox, volunteered for the draft and were inducted into the Army. Pete and Dexter served in Vietnam - though not together. Pete was stationed at Pleiku in the Central Highlands near the Cambodian border. He attained the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. As a Combat Engineer, he supported combat operations in that area in several ways. He also drove supply trucks from Pleiku in the highlands to Qui Nhan on the coast and back over a very dangerous route that included passage through the Mang Yang Pass.

Upon leaving the Army, Pete attended college in Cedar City for a short period before moving to Las Vegas to start a career in servicing industrial electric motors. After becoming quite proficient, Pete started his own business, Dratter Electric Motors, which proved to be successful.

Pete always had a soft spot for his roots. He purchased some land in Hurricane and would spend time there on weekends. Pete was able to grow the property and acquired some livestock. He eventually retired to work full time on his farm. He met his future wife Debbie Russell over this period. Pete later started a subdivision called Dratter Estates in Hurricane which is still growing.

Pete is survived by his wife Debbie Dratter of Hurricane, Utah, and her daughter Morgan Treadwell, her husband Brian, and daughter Pecos of Eldorado, Texas; Debbie's son, Jake Russell, his wife Michelle and their two sons Layton and Weslee of Paulden, Arizona; Pete's son Casey Chivers and wife Mindy and their children Scotlin and Colstin of Virgin, Utah: Pete's sister Joanna Adamson and husband Craig, of Salt Lake City and their sons Robert of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and James of Lake Oswego, Oregon; Pete's brother Steve Dratter and wife Deb of Odenton, Maryland; their son Joe Dratter and his wife Claire and their daughter Gwen of Salt Lake City, Utah; Pete's cousin Bob Delaney his wife Sherri of Edgewood, New Mexico; and cousin Pam Delaney of Las Vegas, Nevada. Pete was greatly valued and uplifted by the steadfast friendship and unwavering support of his dear friends in Southern Utah. His family is profoundly grateful for the love and connection you shared with him.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to sign Pete's online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com