Kenneth Blair Piper, 79, of Duncansville, died Friday afternoon at UPMC hospital. He was born in Altoona, a son of Clinton A. and May C. (Hileman) Piper. He married Frances Jolene Steele on Dec. 1, 1961.
Surviving are his wife, Jolene, three children, Cynthia L. Yost (Jeffrey) of Fairfax, Va., Kenneth B. Jr. (Bobbie) of Shorter, Ala., Bryce R. (Brenda) of Lady Smith, Va.; seven grandchildren, Jordan, Jennaveve and Christian Yost, Megan and Ryan Piper, and Danielle and Cordelia Piper; brothers, Clinton E. (Tawnia) of Hollidaysburg, and Allen of Stillwater, Pa., a sister, Dorinea Brothers of Duncansville; and beloved nieces and nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bob of Altoona.
He was employed by George Dollar Painting Co. before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served for 24 years, and eventually retired from Bon Secours hospital.
Ken was a devoted family man, and he and Jolene just celebrated their 60th anniversary. He was very proud of his distinguished Naval service, from which he retired at the top enlisted rank of Master Chief.
He had a great love of the outdoors, especially enjoying gardening, fishing and hunting. Archery became his passion in later years, as he was successful in competitive shooting, and in taking deer, a bear and even a Colorado elk.
A service will be held at Good Funeral Home at 3 p.m. Wed., Jan. 19.