Tommy Ray “Tom” Piper, 75, of Jefferson City, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his family.
He was born on January 18, 1949, in Stockton, California, the son of Earl and Rose (Fiori) Piper. His father was killed in a car accident when he was two years old, so he went to live with his grandparents, Sarah and Ray Piper, in Loop City, Nebraska on their ranch.
A graduate of Loop City High School, he graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture.
He was united in marriage on March 16, 2013, in Jefferson City, to Letha Ann Wilbers, who resides at the home.
He began his career for the Nebraska Department of Health and then moved to Centerville, Iowa in 1976 setting up medical clinics in the rural areas. In 1984, he moved to Missouri and worked for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services as the Director of the Certificate of Need Program, writing rules and regulations. Tom retired in 2010 and started his own consulting business, working with long term care facilities helping them navigate through the regulatory systems.
Tom started appleJAC in 1984 with his friend, Thom Day in Jefferson City. When Apple was introducing home computers, iPhones, iPads, watches, and other products, he saw a need to educate people and believed everyone could learn with firsthand instruction. This group is still meeting today.
He was a member of The Crossing in Columbia; Friday Morning Bible Study; Missouri Health Care Association; Heart of Missouri RV Club; Mid Mo Miata; Learning in Retirement; Thursday Night Bocce; was a Cole County Election Poll Judge; Neighborhood Watch Captain; and Tom was a founding member since 2007 and currently serving on the Cole County Parks Committee.
A collector of all Apple products, Tom also liked cars, motorcycles, and walking sticks, which he collected on every vacation. He and Letha loved Christmas and decorated over eighteen trees in their home and hosted many holiday parties. He and Letha volunteered at the Room at the Inn and spent Christmas Day there helping others.
Because his grandfather, Ray was also killed in a car accident, Tom had a great appreciation for helping others and hard work. He loved to travel whenever possible and enjoyed life. His grandmother Sarah was the greatest inspiration of his life as she gave him the love of reading and encouraged him to complete his education.
He loved his family and found much joy with his grandchildren. He loved being with them, playing games, especially dominoes, and he built them a Lego table, a doll house, and a barn.
Survivors include his wife Letha Piper, Jefferson City; a son, Jason (Mindy) Piper, New Bloomfield; a step-daughter, Beth (John) Pearson, Vestavia, Alabama; a step-son, James Moeckli, Springfield, Missouri; grandchildren, Alexis Mears, Andrew Piper, and CJ Mears; step-grandchildren, Grace Pearson, Graham Pearson, and Grady Pearson; siblings, Jack Piper, Oregon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary (Daryl) Heet, Jefferson City; Lee (Sherri) Wilbers, Lake Ozark, Tom (Geri) Wilbers, Holt Summit; Tim (Barb) Wilbers, Wardsville; and Gary (Dana) Wilbers, Wardsville; and a special niece, Jillian (Brandon) Piper Gage, Bay City, Michigan.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Bob Smoke.
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m., Friday, May 24, 2024, at Trimble Funeral Homes - Jefferson City followed by a life celebration service at 6 p.m. with Pastor Shay Roush officiating.
Livestream Link
https://venues.vimeo.com/1688677482851
Memorials are suggested to The Crossing, Jefferson City Room at the Inn, or to Cole County Parks.
