Carroll W Piper

Carroll W. Piper, 68, of Collins, Missouri passed away Sunday evening, June 30th at Sac-Osage Hospital in Osceola. Carroll was one of 5 children born in Flemington, Missouri to Harold and Laura Piper. His 1st 2 years of formal schooling were in Flemington and the remainder of his education took place at Humansville Schools where he graduated as a member of the Class of 1963, celebrating his 50th Class Reunion this past Saturday evening. Carroll attended classes at SMS in Springfield for one year and was named Outstanding Freshman ROTC Cadet. After one year of college Carroll and the former Sharon Hughes were married on May 23, 1964 and he began work at Witt Printing Company in El Dorado Springs. In 1966 he began working at Mid-Am Dairies working there for 5 years before beginning his career with GTE Company based in Osceola before retiring in 1999 after 28 years of service. While working at GTE, Carroll and Sharon purchased the Humansville Star-Leader which they owned and operated until the early 1980's. Carroll along with other local businesses were instrumental in the planning phases of bringing Northwood Hills Care Center to Humansville. He also joined forces with other Humansville High School alumni in the Action Freight Line, Inc., a trucking company. Carroll also sold real estate and operated his own farm during this time. After retiring from GTE he joined with his family in operating 5 Star Paving Company in Humansville. He enjoyed deer hunting. In 1974 he harvested a 32 point buck which still holds a place in the top 10 in the Missouri Department of Conservation's Big Buck Club. Carroll was active in children's activities, often providing and donating baseball and softball equipment in the surrounding communities. He personally made sure that Santa Claus was seen each year. He traveled to summer festivals, schools, and birthday parties with his Bounce House and homemade train which he pulled with his 4 wheeler. He was a longtime member of the Collins Volunteer Fire Department. Carroll was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Sharon of the home; son Tod Piper of Humansville; daughter Shelly Graves and her husband John of Humansville; brother Duane Piper of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Donnie Piper and his wife Marilyn of Georgetown, Texas, Gaylord Piper and his wife Lorena of Flemington; sister Shirley Emanuel and her husband Jerry of University City, Missouri; grandchildren Ashley and Dana Graves, Samantha Piper, Crystal Wright, Brandy Vastine; "adopted son" John Scheu; nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. Carroll's own words which he wrote in his biography for his 50th class reunion last Saturday are as follows. "My social endeavors have kept me close to home over the last 50 years as I still own the house that I was born in, the family farm, and a pick-up that has over 100,000 miles and has never ventured out of Missouri. As you might guess, my greatest travel was our Senior Trip! I have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy the local flavor of our hometown. I have during the last 50 years grown to believe there is no stronger bond than that of life-long companion, no affection like that of a family pet, and no reward like the smile of a challenged child." Funeral services for Carroll Piper will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, July 6, 2013 officiated by Rev. Ron Foley at Murray Funeral Home in Humansville with burial to follow at the Flemington Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6-8 PM on Friday, July 5th. Online condolences may be submitted at www.murrayfuneralhomes.com. PDF Printable Version

Carroll W Piper

June 1, 1945 - June 30, 2013