Jerry Lee Piper

Jerry L. Piper, of Bakersfield, died peacefully on December 5, 2017.

He is survived by his beloved bride of 54 years, Sone (Jones) Piper, his children Mark (Maribeth) Piper and their sons Jared and Scott of Orange, California, and Karin (Kevin) Harmon and their daughters Amanda and Sarah, of Bakersfield, as well as his sister, Jane (Jerry) Hodges of Olathe, Kansas and brother Robert "Bob" (Terrie) Piper of Bakersfield, nieces and nephews, cousins and lifelong friends who will miss his booming baritone and words of wisdom.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Lillian "Ruth" Vorhees Piper, and father, D.H. Piper, Jr.

Jerry was a lifelong Bakersfield resident and grew up surrounded by extended family, attending East Bakersfield High School where he graduated with the class of 1957. He then earned his teaching credential and later his Master's Degree in School Administration from California State University, Fresno. He held lifetime credentials in both Elementary Education and Administration, a testament to his unwavering steadiness and reliability.

Jerry was a doting husband, and from the time he met Sone in a bar in December of 1961, he scarcely let his sweetheart out of his sight. Jerry and Sone were married in August of 1963 at First Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield. A true gentleman, Jerry would never allow his wife to open a car door or pull out her own chair at a restaurant. Chivalry and charm were his calling cards.

Jerry was very proud of his service with the Army National Guard, where he earned his Expert Badge with Rifle Bar. He was stationed at Fort Ord in California and was honorably discharged in March 1968.

Jerry was dedicated to his family, and worked tirelessly to provide for them. He supplemented his early years' teaching salary with summertime work in the grape fields of Gagosian Farms. He taught his children the value of an honest day's work and to take pride in their accomplishments.

Jerry was "one of the good ones" and spent his life mentoring and encouraging numerous students at Horace Mann Elementary School, and as a counselor and assistant principal at Lincoln Junior High. Later, in his tenure with BCSD Student Services, he was a powerful presence to colleagues. In total, he devoted 38 years with the Bakersfield City School District. After retirement, Jerry continued to share his wealth of knowledge with student teachers through Point Loma Nazarene University, where he worked for 7 years as a supervisor of student teachers.

Jerry was extremely community-minded and was a steadfast advocate for the children of Kern County. He was on the board for Pyles Boys' Camp for many years, and his legacy of service will continue there. Jerry also willingly served on numerous local and state committees in the service of at-risk youth. One of Jerry's favorite stories was the Christmas tradition of busing school children to the Elks Lodge for a cold hot dog and ice cream, a small gift and visit with Santa-no child went home empty-handed.

Jerry loved to golf, and held a charter membership with Kern City Golf Course, and later with Riverlakes Golf Course. Jerry and Sone's house currently backs to the 15th hole, and they enjoyed visits at the back fence from fellow golfers and the annual parade of ducklings that were hatched along the banks of the pond. In lieu of flowers please donate to R.M. Pyles Boys Camp or charity of your choice.