BOSSIER CITY - Lt. Col. Marian Lucille Piper, USAF (Ret.), 86, of Bossier City, LA died October 29, 2012. She was born to Edward and Marie Piper in Rochester, N.Y. on August 14, 1926. Marian graduated from Henrietta High School and Cortland State University. She began teaching high school in Catskill, N.Y. and later entered the Air Force as a 2nd Lt. In 1951. In the span of 23 years, she earned the rank of Lt. Col. when there were only 23 female Lt. Col.'s in the Air Force. The majority of her career was spent in the Communications Operation Division where in her last assignment; she served as Chief Communications Operation Division, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at Barksdale Air Force Base. During her career, Lt. Col. Piper earned several military awards including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Recently she was presented with the Louisiana Medal of Honor from the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Home.
As a hobby, Marian became interested in flying airplanes. She achieved her private pilot's license and enjoyed flying her own plane. She became active in the Shreveport 99s Chapter and served as Chairman for four years. Her most memorable event was flying in the 1976 Powder Puff Derby across the USA. She was active in sports and enjoyed bowling, fishing and golfing with her family and friends.
Lt. Col. Piper is survived by two sisters, Betty Godbehere, Hot Springs, AR and Ann Givens, Tampa, FL; three nephews, Joe Ed Godbehere, Hot Springs, AR, Scott Givens, Knoxville, TN, Lt. Col. Mark Givens, Bridgewater, N.J. and nine great nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 1, 2012 from 7-9 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr, Bossier City, LA. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 2, 2012 at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 7738 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City. Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery, Hot Springs, AR.
Memorials may be made to Mary Queen of Peace Building Fund or the Humane Society of Northwest LA.
