Piper

1958-2023

Kenneth Darwin Piper transitioned to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, August 4, 2023.

He was born June 17, 1958, in Houston, Texas to Barbara J. Burleson and Elwood L. A. Piper. He graduated from Houston Technical Institute in 1976 where he met the love of his life, Gustiallia Renee Jones, and went on to attend Texas State Technical Institution receiving his Associate's degree in Automotive Technology. After graduation, he pursued his first business venture with his father in Baytown, TX. This was the beginning of many entrepreneurial successes.

Kenneth and Renee married on June 29, 1978. Together they have two children, Devan, and Thelma. He remained married to his high school sweetheart for 45 years until his transition.

Kenneth had a long and rewarding entrepreneurial career. He began working alongside his father, opening an Exxon Service Station, Piper's Automotive Service Center, Piper's Import Auto Parts, and All Occasion Limousines. Independently he also successfully owned and managed a Budget Rental Truck Company, a Rental Car company, and a cellular phone company. After obtaining his Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, he worked with Harris County as a Correction Officer for Juvenile Court System.

Although Kenneth was busy with his several successful businesses, he had many other passions that defined his life – God, family, ministry, music, and motorcycles. He obtained a degree in Biblical Theology, volunteered with Crisis Hotline, WABC Boys Rites of Passage, WABC Youth Ministry, WABC Children's Sunday School, WABC Jail Ministry, WABC Witnessing Team, WABC Deacon, and Young Life. As a Young Life volunteer, he established the Young Life – Eastside Chapter, serving the youth of the Greater Houston area of Furr High School, Northshore High School, C.E. King High School, and Galena Park High School. Through each of these ministries, he touched countless lives, youth, and families. With his passion for his music, he established his first Rhythm and Blues band approximately 25 years ago, and most recently led the Generations Band, thereby bringing the joy of music to many. In 2003 he purchased his first motorcycle in 20 years and joined the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club – Houston Chapter in 2020, through which he continued to serve the community in a new way while enjoying his passion for riding.

He was preceded in death by his mother Barbara Haywood, father Elwood Piper, brother Malcolm Piper, and sister Karen Francis.

He leaves to mourn a loving and loyal wife, Gustiallia Piper, son Devan Jones, daughter Thelma Piper; his brother Adrian Piper (Annetra); his aunts Renita Piper Oliver, Linda Piper Price, and Etta Jamison; his grandchildren Alexander Jones-Sanchez, Charity Jones, Madison Jones, and Mason Jones; and many other family and friends.

Services for Mr. Piper will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023, at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church 3826 Wheeler Ave, Houston, Texas 77004

Viewing: 10:00 am

Funeral 11:00 am

Officiating: Pastor Marcus D. Cosby

Interment: Houston Memorial Gardens Cemetery