Donald Stuart Piper

Donald Stuart Piper passed away on July 28, 2025, in Lincoln, NE at the age of 89. Don, as he was known, was born at the Piper family farm northeast of Wellfleet on February 3, 1936. His parents were Stuart M. Piper and Frances F. (Greenwood) Piper. Don was the second oldest child of his parents with five other siblings: Joanne, Wayne, Kathy, Thomas and Eileen. Don attended a nearby one room schoolhouse and then transferred to North Platte St. Patrick High School. He was involved in 4H showing cattle and played football for the St. Pats Irish. He graduated with the class of 1954 and made the immediate decision to enlist with the US Air Force, which lead to a 20-year career specializing in electronics and finished his service as a recruiter. Don was a Korean War and Vietnam War veteran. Don truly found the love of his life on a blind date, meeting Gloria Jean Dillon early in his Air Force career. The two would get married on October 5, 1957, in North Platte and then quickly immersed themselves into the military life. They were stationed in Denver, CO then Tampa Bay, FL, Denver again and finally North Platte to serve as a recruiter. During those years they had four children: Christine, Larry, Angela and David. Don and Gloria had great Christian faith and values which they lived their lives by. Don was a founding member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church when it first opened its doors and remained a member for 52 years and served the church in many rolls. Don would also work for the Nebraska Department of Labor until his retirement in 1994. From that point on, he and Gloria found and developed their retirement home on an acreage which they masterfully developed into their country sanctuary. He was a deer hunting enthusiast throughout his life. Family was the lifeblood of Don and those loved ones left to cherish his memory are Chris & Danny Casillas, Larry & Renee Piper, Angela & Dave Fujan, David & Crystal Piper. His grandchildren and their spouses. Garrett & Katie Piper, Haley Piper, Stuart Piper, Katelynn and RJ Gibson, Logan Golter, Olivia Golter, Lindsey Fujan, Matt & Emily Fujan, Monica Fujan, Jessica Fujan, Courtney and Andrew Pavelka, Jeremy Casillas, Derek & Jamie Casillas. Great grandchildren, Finley, Alayna, Callum, Oliver, Patrick, Hazel and Titian. Sister Joanne Bollish, Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Tom Simon, Cathy & Doug Lamberty, Mike Dillon, Jan Dillon and Kathy Dillon.  Online condolences and live stream of the service will be at adamsswanson.com.

Christian wake services will be 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 25, 2025, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Rev. Sagar Arikotla as celebrant.  Burial with full military honors will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be Monday, August 25, 2025, from 12-5 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.

Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.