Richard Eugene

Piper

Richard Eugene Piper, 92, of LaFontaine, Indiana passed away at 5:05 a.m. on Thursday, November 12th, 2026, at Rolling Meadows Healthcare in LaFontaine, Indiana. He was born on January 5, 1934, to Jesse Walter Piper and Mary Viola Piper. Jesse passed away in 1937, Mary then married Alvah Botkin who was an excellent stepdad.

Richard was born with a need for speed! In the mid-1950's he raced one of the first rear engine sprint cars in Indiana. Built, owned and operated by Russell Crumrine, a lifelong friend. He raced dirt bikes well into his 30's. Richard pursued many hobbies over his lifetime which included guns, slot cars, boats, motorcycles and corvettes. He was a master mechanic and always modified every engine he owned to get more speed and performance. The last Corvette he owned was a jet black 1989 model. He installed a nitrous oxide fuel system, which many people stated he could not do. That was all it took for him to prove them wrong. He reached speeds of 200+ mph in it. He said he had to back off the throttle because the front end was starting to go airborne. Another lifelong friend, Hugh Cook, was along for many of Richard's fast pursuits and escapades in both Corvettes that Richard owned. He took the 1989 Corvett to many car shows and won numerous trophies showing it. In his later years he enjoyed photography and has a beautiful collection of nature pictures. Eagles were a favorite subject to photograph.

He was married to Donna Lee Shane on June 21, 1953. They celebrated 72 years together before she passed away on August 11, 2025.

Richard is survived by one daughter, Susie (Bob) Goodpasture of LaFontaine, Indiana; two grandchildren, Don (Natalie) Goodpasture of LaFontaine, Indiana; Lisa (Bill) Chapman of LaFontaine; Five great-grandchildren Mariah and Evelyn Goodpasture and Brynn, Kenzie and Kailyn Chapman all of LaFontaine.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother, Robert who passed away in 1973.

Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940 with Pastor Susan Shambaugh officiating.  Burial will follow at Lafontaine IOOF in LaFontaine, Indiana

Visitation for friends and family will be two hours prior to the service on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 in care of McDonald Funeral Homes.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main St., LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Richard Piper's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com