SESSER – Robert Eugene Piper was born to Charles E. Piper and Alta Mae Robinson on July 21, 1933, in Sesser.
Robert, was known as Bob, as he grew up in Sesser. After graduation from Sesser High School in 1951, Bob headed to Chicago, he joined the IBEW 134 and was an electrician. He traveled across the US working union jobs when steady work was not to be found in Southern Illinois until retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and was quite the entertaining story teller. He was easy going, funny, kind, and loved his coffee. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Glena Jean Cockrum, in 1951 and celebrated 73 years of marriage. Together they brought 5 children into this world, 5 grandchildren 6 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Children: Robert E Piper Jr. of Ziegler, David R. Piper of Rend City, Timmie L. Piper (deceased), Linda D. Laird of Florida, Sandra J. Hicks of Tennessee. Grandchildren: Shane Piercy of Florida, Brandy Thompson of Tennessee, Benjamin Hicks (deceased), Heather Glidewell of Christopher, Dustin Laird of Florida. Great Grandchildren: Carrie Glidewell, Owen Glidewell, Marissa Glidewell, Brianna Thompson, Piper Piercy, Kenzi Piercy. Great-Great-Grandchild: Mavie Ray Glidewell. Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Great-Great-Grandpa sadly will be missed, though his stories will continue to be shared.
Funeral services will be on Sunday May 18, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Jason Todd officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
