Duane E. Piper, 84, North Manchester, died at 7:21 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.

He was born in South Whitley on Oct. 21, 1930, to Walter Ray and Ethel M. (Bentz) Piper, and served in the US Army from 1948-1968. After retirement from his military career, he was employed in various management positions with Kroger Co., from 1968-1988. He married Joyce Drotch on July 3, 1980. She died on May 21, 2013.

Duane is survived by a stepson: Mark Drotch, North Manchester; stepdaughter: Cindy (Donald) Cook, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; daughter-in-law: Virginia Aughinbaugh, Columbia City; brothers: V. Ray (Rosemary) Piper, North Manchester; Max (Sue) Piper, North Manchester; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by one son: Mike Aughinbaugh; and one brother: Paul Piper.

Duane graduated from Central High School 1950.  He was a member of American Legion Post # 286 and Moose Lodge #1518 all of North Manchester. He was a member of the Sycamore Golf Club where he was an avid golfer. He also enjoyed woodworking, fishing and old movies.

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at McKee Mortuary, North Manchester. The funeral will be at 6 p.m. following visitation, also at the funeral home, officiated by pastor Benjamin Bolin. Burial will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Wabash County Cancer Society, North Manchester.