Gary R. Piper, 64, of Springfield died Sunday, May 18, 2003, at his home. Funeral services at Staab Funeral Home with graveside services at Crest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, Olney.

He was born March 6, 1939, in Olney, the son of Raymond O. and Margaret Sieler Piper. He married Karen; she preceded him in death. He later married Carol Greeson in 1977.

Mr. Piper was a U.S. Army veteran. He was stationed in Korea and Heidelberg, Germany, where he was a member of the military police and a dog trainer. He was a member of the Olney police and a bodyguard at the Hilton in Chicago. He later was a chef at the Executive Mansion for 14 years during the Thompson administration. He retired from McFarland Zone Center as a service worker. He was a member of First United Methodist Church.

Survivors: wife, Carol; two daughters, Amy Piper and Tara Davis, both of Springfield; a son, Bryan R. (wife, Elizabeth) Piper of Lakemoor; a granddaughter; two brothers, Fred Piper of Olney and Charles (wife, Susie) Piper of Fairfield; a niece; four nephews; and several cousins.

Published in State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Tuesday, May 20, 2003