Clifton Herman Piper

Born on April 10, 1949, in San Antonio, Texas to Clifton Herman Piper and Alice Rosemary Piper, Clif Jr. developed a deep appreciation for hard work, sports, the great outdoors, and travel.

Clifton graduated from Livingston High School in 1968 and Fresno State in 1972. He soon began his career as an agricultural biologist for Merced County where he worked for over 30 years.

Clifton was passionate about sports and excelled in high school football, wrestling, and baseball. His love of athletics carried on through his daughters and grandchildren and he enjoyed countless hours of coaching his daughters and supporting and cheering for his grandkids. He was their biggest fan!

Clifton found peace and joy in the great outdoors while hunting and backpacking with friends and camping with his family. He also had a passion for traveling with the love of his life, Virginia Piper who he was married to for 52 years.

Beyond his love of travel and the outdoors, Clif was a skilled and enthusiastic pinochle and cribbage player. Many happy hours were spent around the card table, filled with laughter and friendly competition. He valued the camaraderie and the shared moments of joy these games provided.

Clifton’s legacy lives on through his two daughters: Gena Piper Lanz and Brandy Piper, and his three cherished grandchildren, Cooper and Spencer Lanz, and Piper Denno. He was a proud dad and grandpa who adored his grandchildren. He also leaves behind other special cousins, a brother in-law, and nieces and nephews.

Clifton was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; his parents, Clifton Herman Piper and Alice Rosemary Piper, his bonus parents Chester and Eudora Kruppa and his bonus big brother Carl Kruppa.

Clif will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his warm smile, and his unwavering kindness. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and valued. His love for his family was paramount, and he leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories that will be forever treasured. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A celebration of Clifton’s life will be held on March 19, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Stage Stop Gun Shop in Atwater in the VIP room.