Darrell Elmer Piper, age 83, lost his battle with cancer at his home in Englewood, Colorado on Monday, May 16, 2022. He was born August 3, 1938 in Eckley, Colorado to parents Elmer Leroy Piper and Lila Mae Serl. He attended school in both Eckley and Yuma. After graduating from Eckley High School in 1956, he attended Barnes School of Commerce.
Darrell began his career at Gates Rubber Company in the late 1950’s. His time at Gates was interrupted in November 1961 when he was called to serve in the US Army. On December 27, 1961 Darrell married Kathleen Alice Blumer in Eckley, Colorado while he was on leave from boot-camp at Fort Carson. From there he was transferred to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and his family soon brought his young bride to join him there. When the time came for Darrell to be sent on an overseas assignment, the choices were Germany, Alaska, and one other location. The only place that would allow him to bring his wife was Alaska so he listed that as his first choice. Everything fell into place and they became a family of 3 during their time in Anchorage. Darrell was honorably discharged from the Army in Fort Lewis, Washington on November 15, 1963 and served in the active reserves for 4 more years.
Darrell brought his family home to Denver and returned to his job at Gates in November 1963 and a little over a year later his family of 4 was complete. In addition to working the graveyard shift at Gates, he worked part time for a neighbor painting houses and doing other tasks. One of those projects led to several years as the unofficial maintenance man for an apartment building downtown. He also worked as a delivery driver for State Beauty Supply in the mid to late 70’s. Darrell retired from Gates in 2004 after having worked there for over 40 years. For the past several years, he has also volunteered his time mowing the lawn and helping with other odd jobs at Littleton Adventist Church.
During his younger years Darrell enjoyed coin collecting, fishing, camping and helping on the family farm. In the late 60’s he had fun helping on the pit crew for a friend that raced at Englewood Speedway. He even got to drive in a few races. Darrell decided to join a bowling league at work several decades ago and he enjoyed the time he spent bowling very much. Along with the various patches and awards he earned, there is a plaque in the Bowling Hall of Fame commemorating his first perfect 300 game. In addition to bowling he also loved reading, hunting trips with his brother and son-in-law and spending time with family.
Darrell was preceeded in death by his parents, his wife Kathy, niece Kimberly Sue Wolk, and his son-in-law Richard Taylor. He is survived by his daughters Mary Fischer and Deborah Taylor; his son-in-law Andrew Fischer; his grandchildren Cherry Taylor, her partner Dustin Yosek and their son Townes; Justin Taylor, his wife Julia and son Lando; Miranda Fischer and her fiancé Ben Corley; his brother Edwin Piper; his sister-in-law Carla Piper and several nieces and nephews along with their families.
When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Darrell responded “People can remember me as they wish.” He is greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
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