Maynard H. Piper

PIPER, Maynard H.
of Climax Passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 1, 2011 at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo. He was born December 19, 1918 in Climax Township, MI, one of five children to Hallie and Gertrude Buckland Piper. Maynard was a veteran of the United States Army serving during World War II earning the rank of Tech Sergeant. He served in Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany and received the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 6 Bronze Stars. Maynard was employed by Kendall Industrial Supply Inc. for 41 years until his retirement in 1982. On March 8, 1941, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Martin, who passed away on January 29, 1994. On July 14, 1995, Maynard was united in marriage to Doris Kelley Gibson, who survives. Also surviving his 2 children, Richard Sherlyn Piper of Reading, MI and Russell Janet Piper of Spring Lake, MI; 7 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; step-daughter, Judy Larry Knowles; and step-son-in-law, William Julie Burke. Preceding him in death were his mother, Gertrude Piper, father and step-mother, Hallie and Ella Piper; 2 brothers, Harold and Murl Piper; 2 sisters, Florence Harrison and Fern Baker; and step-daughter, Carolyn Burke. Maynard was a past High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons, Past Patron of Eastern Star Maple Leaf Chapter #291, served 8 years on the local school board, active in scouting and was Scout Master for 1 year, former member of Riverside Country Club and member of Fulton Christian Church. Memorial services for Maynard will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Climax Chapel, 205 E. Maple St., with Pastor Noah Miller officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10-11 AM on Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Fulton Christian Church, Borgess Visiting Nurse and Hospice or Kairos Dwelling for the Terminally Ill.