Paul Leroy Piper

Paul LeRoy Piper, 87, of Grants Pass died Thursday, March 26, 2009, at his home. Viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Stephens Family Chapel. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Faith Baptist Church. Private interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park. He was born Aug. 17, 1921, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Emmet and Harriet Piper. When he was 2 years old, his family moved to Mountain View, Calif. In his early years, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. At age 15, he accepted the Lord and, over the course of his life, led many others to do the same. During World War II, he spent 21/2 years at a secret air base in England, servicing the vast engine overhaul shops at an Air Service Command repair and modification depot. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He enjoyed trailer camping with his wife, children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed woodworking, clocks, reading, fishing, hunting and playing the card game "Hand and Foot" with his family and friends. He made more than 40 clocks for his family and friends. In addition to his wife, Lorene Piper, survivors include three daughters, Patricia Bergen, Cathy Quintana and Judi Abbott; two brothers, Tom and Claude Piper; 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.