As John Kenneth Piper, a beloved member of the Greenville community, passed away on February 14, 2024, the community said its goodbyes to him. His life story encompassed decades of dedication, love, and service to the community. The purpose of this expanded tribute is to honour the memory of John K. Piper by providing a detailed reflection on his life, accomplishments, and the impact he leaves behind that will last for generations to come.
Early Life and Education
John Kenneth Piper was born on August 27, 1944, in Cumberland County, Kentucky. His parents, Sam and Gladys Flowers Piper, were his parents. After that, the family relocated to Macon, Illinois, and in 1954, they finally made their home in Greenville. The Greenville schools that John attended culminated in his graduation from Greenville High School. Even while he was still in school, he displayed a strong work ethic by making contributions to Pierce Feed Store.
Professional Journey
In the years that followed his graduation from college, John entered the workforce and established himself in a number of different fields. During the course of his professional life, he held positions at Thermal King, Pet Milk, and Olin Corporation in East Alton, Illinois. He remained completely devoted to these companies until his retirement in 2007. Following his retirement, John maintained his dedication to the workforce by continuing to make contributions to Dick Mayer Electric and Staff Construction for a small number of additional years.
Marriage and Family
Anna Lorraine Hawley, the woman he had loved his entire life, became John’s wife on May 13, 1972, marking the beginning of a journey that would last for more than half a century. They were able to give birth to two sons, David Lee Piper and Jason Alan Piper, and together they established a warm and welcoming home for their children. As a grandfather to Caleb Thomas Piper of DeKalb, Illinois, and Alyssa Mae Piper of Greenville, John’s commitment to his family extended to the role of grandfather to both of his grandchildren.
Community and Church Involvement
John’s life was distinguished by a profound dedication to both his community and his faith. Having joined the Greenville First United Methodist Church, he was an active participant in a wide range of activities that were organised by the church.
Through the application of his abilities to a wide range of projects, both at home and in the community, he left an indelible mark on those who were in his immediate vicinity. The generosity that John displayed knew no bounds; it was evident whether he was working on landscaping or lending a helping hand to his family and friends.
Battle with Alzheimer’s Disease
Within the context of adversity, John was confronted with a protracted struggle against Alzheimer’s disease that lasted for almost nine years. Throughout the entirety of this difficult journey, his wife, Anna, was there for him, providing unflinching care and support. In 2022, John made the transition to Memory Care, where he continued to receive the necessary care to navigate the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease.
Final Farewell
An invitation is extended to friends and well-wishers to pay their respects at the Donnell – Wiegand Funeral Home in Greenville, which is included in the announcement that provides information about the funeral services themselves. The final resting place for a man whose life had an impact on a great number of people is the interment that takes place at Montrose Cemetery.
Legacy of Love and Connection
The legacy that John leaves behind is not limited to his professional accomplishments; it also includes the love that he had for his family, the commitment that he had to his community, and the affection that he showed to young children. His capacity to connect with other people, in conjunction with his enthusiasm for travelling, made him a well-liked figure not only in Greenville but also beyond its borders.
Conclusion: A Life Well-Lived
This expanded tribute, which is being paid in honour of the life of John Kenneth Piper, captures the essence of a man whose journey unfolded with purpose, dedication, and a profound connection to those he loved.
As members of the community come together to say their final farewells, the legacy of John K. Piper continues to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the large number of people whose lives he touched along the way. He left behind a legacy that encourages compassion, hard work, and a profound sense of community. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy inspire others.
