Obituary of Donald G. Piper

Bedford Donald G. Piper, 78, of 3606 South I Street, Bedford, died at 7:55 pm on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at the Bloomington Hospital. His time on Earth is finished; he is now with Jesus Christ our Lord, whom he loved with all of his heart. Born January 9, 1931 in Cale, IN, he was the son of Allen Keith and Della Mae (Hamilton) Piper. Don grew up in Avoca and loved the little town and those that grew up with him. He attended school through the sixth grade in Avoca and 7th through 12th grades at Needmore School where he played basketball, softball and ran track. At graduation, he was awarded the American Legion Outstanding Student Award and an academic scholarship to the Indiana State Teachers College. He was matriculated from ISU in 1953 and entered the U.S. Army in the fall. After three basic training units, he was assigned to the Far East Command, Korea and Japan where he served as Radio Section Chief, 13th Fort BN, 24th Division. He married Barbara Mason on December 17, 1953 and she survives. Don entered the teaching field in 1957-58 when he returned to Needmore to teach, and then in 1958-59 he moved to Bedford High School and taught machine trades and metal classes. He became the Director of Adult and Vocational Education in the mid 1960s and was instrumental along with many others, in seeing the North Lawrence Vocational Center building completed. He served as Vocational Director from 1970 thru 1993 when he retired. During his career, he served as Vice President and President of the Indiana Vocational Association and Vice President and President of the Council of Vocational Administrators. He was a long term member of the First Baptist Church where he has served as a Deacon, Building Committee Member and Pastoral Search Team. Surviving with his wife, Barbara is one daughter, Leslie Cagle of Avon, IN; two granddaughters, Jessica and Amanda Cagle and one sister, Judi Curry of Bedford. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ronald Keith Piper. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm Friday, February 20th from the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Dr. Kregg Burris officiating. Burial will follow in the Hilltop Cemetery in Avoca where military rites will be accorded by members of Gillen Post #33 American Legion. Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 19th and from 11:00 am until the hour of service on Friday, February 20th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Donations Information The family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to the Bedford North Lawrence Vocational Scholarship Fund.