Leroy Fred Piper passed on to his heavenly home on Dec. 3, 2018 at the age of 95. The son of Emma Bayer and Roy Hamilton Piper and step father “Pop” Guillory, he married Dorothy (Dottie) Smith in 1945. Mr. Piper was preceded in death by his wife, his son Curtis, and his sisters Dorothy, Doris, Vina and Mildred.
Leroy served in WWII with the USAF 379th Bomber Group out of Kimbolton Airfield in England and was a POW in Germany the last 2 months of the war. He continued to serve as a reservist in the Air Force, being called up for active duty in subsequent wars and retired as Lt. Colonel in 1983. In civilian life, Leroy gained his bachelor’s degree in business management at University of Texas and worked as a field analyst for the Texas State Board of Insurance.
Mr. Piper was a life-long member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Austin, serving in a variety of volunteer roles through the years. Leroy enjoyed the company of family and friends, genuinely taking an interest in their lives and offering guidance and help when asked. People were drawn to Leroy’s infectious smile and loved hearing the stories he shared. He was passionate about managing and maintaining properties around the Austin area. He also enjoyed good food, football, traveling and dancing.
Leroy is survived by daughter Patty Wilson and husband Bill, daughter-in-law Heidi Piper, grandchildren Travis Wilson and wife Tori, Kelcey Piper, Brad Piper and wife Mandee, great granddaughter Addie Wilson, special friend and faithful companion Lucille Dobrich and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Sunday Dec. 9, 2018 from 3-5pm at Cook-Walden Funeral Home 6100 Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78752. Funeral service will be Dec. 10 at 11am at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church 606 W. 15th Street Austin TX 78701. Interment will follow in Austin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to all of his compassionate personal caregivers over the past several years. Additionally, thanks are extended to the staff at Cedar Pointe Heath and Wellness for the care provided the last seven months.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18