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In Memoriam

Basil Charles Piper - Class Of 1945

Basil Charles Piper, son of Charles Edward (1903-2004) and Anna Foster (Strayer) (1905-1994) Piper, was born 24 December 1926, Ingham County, Michigan.  Basil graduated in 1945 from Okemos High School.  While in high school he was a member of the track team and as a 110 pound sophomore ran a 4:57 mile.  Basil entered service in the US Army almost immediately after graduation.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Friday 29 June 1945

Basil Piper, recently inducted into the army is stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., and Warren Vietzke is stationed at Fort Riley, Kan.  Both boys graduated from the Okemos school in May.

On 16 May 1947 in Okemos, Basil and high school classmate Bettie Marie Markwart were married in Okemos Community Church.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Thursday 22 May 1947

ANNOUNCE MARRIAGE OF OKEMOS COUPLE

Okemos, May 22 - Two Okemos young people, Miss Bettie Markwart and Basil Piper, were united in marriage at a lovely evening ceremony performed by Rev. Harold Jayne at the Okemos Community church May 16.

The vows were spoken at the altar, flanked with baskets of white gladioli and snapdragons, palms and white tapers.  Traditional wedding music was played by Miss Jean Fogle and Miss Lina Tenny sang preceding the ceremony and at the conclusion of the vows.  The bride chose as her maid of honor her cousin, Miss Catherine DeLau, and as bridesmaids, Mrs. Thomas Griffith, Mrs. Gerald Moore and Miss Maurine Page.  The bridegroom's attendant was Robert Randall, with Duane Everett, Robert Markwart and William Long as ushers.

A reception in the parlors followed the service with nearly 300 guests being received.  Refreshments were served from a table centered with a tiered wedding cake served by Miss Vivian Redner, punch by Miss Joyce Stillman; Mrs. N. Fleming was hostess in the dining room, assisted by Miss Phyllis Piper and Miss Dorothy Delamarter.

Mr. and Mrs. Piper will reside in Okemos.  Both are employed at Michigan State college and are graduates of Okemos high school.

The bride is the daughter of the John Markwarts and her husband the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Piper.

Basil spent his employment career at Michigan State University.  He and Bettie celebrated over 50 years of marriage together.  Bettie, born 23 August 1927, died 21 June 1999.  Basil died 14 February 2012.  Basil and Bettie were interred East Lawn Memory Gardens, Okemos.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Thursday 16 February 2012
Basil Charles Piper

Dimondale
Born December 24, 1926 in Okemos to Charles and Anna Piper, passed away February 14, 2012 at the age of 85. Basil served with the U.S. Army in Europe during WWII. He was retired from Michigan State University after 45 years of service as a carpenter in the Physical Plant. Basil belongs to the Masons #252 in Okemos and was a Shriner. He was a passionate golfer and he especially loved to play golf with the women. Basil had a great sense of humor. He loved his grandkids, bowling and fishing.

Basil was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife Bettie. He is survived by his children, Edward (Kim) Piper and Sue (Randy) Fisher; grandchildren, Patrick, Kevin, Angela, Brian, Jennifer and Kristi; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 3 sisters.

A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, February 18, 1:00 p.m. at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing with Rev. George R. Grettenberger officiating.