John D. Piper Jr. October 01, 1930 - July 06, 2018

John D. Piper Jr, age 87, of Mexico, Missouri, formerly of Shelbina, Missouri, passed away Friday, July 6, 2018 at his home.

J.D. was born on October 1, 1930, the son of John D. Sr. and Ruby A. (Kiester) Piper in Shelbina, Missouri. On June 24, 1951, he was united in marriage to Dee Piper in Mexico, Missouri, and recently celebrated their 66 wedding anniversary this past year. She preceded him in death on August 29, 2017.

He is survived by three children, Martha Marshall and husband Tim of St. Augustine, Florida, Cindy Woolridge and husband Roger of Mexico, Missouri, and Janet Canote and husband Ron of Clark, Missouri; three grandchildren; John Marshall and wife Hannah, Catherine Marshall, and Keri Burkhalter; one brother, Richard Piper and wife Alice of Mountain View, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Dr. Knial Piper and wife Elana of West Plains, Missouri, Teresa DeVeaux of West Palm Beach, Florida, Vicky Hinson of Carrollton, Missouri, and Todd Keith of Monster, Indiana; and three great nephews, Knial Piper II of Florida, Keaton Piper of Florida, and Kameran Piper of Columbia, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

J.D. was a member of the Shelbina United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge of Mexico, and in his earlier years, was a “band mother” for the school band. He enjoyed coon hunting, fishing, and eating, especially while attending family dinners. He was considered a “true” neighbor and always was willing to help those around him. J.D. helped several young men in the community by teaching them how to hunt and fish. He loved the game of football, and especially enjoyed watching South Shelby play. Although there were several local football players he enjoyed watching, he particularly was fond of three South Shelby athletes, Shane Smith, Joe Ridpath, and Ethan Decker, where he continued to follow them throughout their college career. Most of all, J.D. loved his family and cherished the time spent with them.

Funeral services will be held at 3pm on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at the Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home in Shelbina, Missouri, with Rev. Andrew Coon as the officiant. A visitation will precede the funeral service from 1pm to 3pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow the funeral service at the Shelbina Cemetery in Shelbina, Missouri. Memorials may be made to the Shelby County Senior Citizens Center or Hospice Compassus of Columbia, Missouri.