J. Howard Piper | 89 | Jacksonville

J. Howard Piper, 89, died on Monday, July 7th, at Cedarhurst Senior Living in Jacksonville, Il. Howard was born on July 16th, 1935, in White Hall, Il., the only child of Francis and Helen Strang Piper.
Howard met and married the love of his life, Jean Elizabeth Seiling, in 1965. They went on to spend more than 25 happy years together before her untimely death in 1992. They have a son, J. Douglas Piper of San Francisco, Ca., who survives them and cherishes their memory.
Howard graduated from White Hall High School in 1953, going on to study at the University of Illinois, where he graduated with a degree in Business in 1957. Moving to St. Louis, Howard worked for several years at Boatmen’s National Bank, rising to the rank of Vice President. During this same time, Howard served in the U.S. Army Reserves, ultimately earning his Captain’s bars.
Howard spent most of his career at the White Hall National Bank, serving as Cashier and later as President and Chairman of the Board. In these roles, he demonstrated unwavering dedication to the bank’s customers and shareholders. His purpose in life was to help others, and through his work at the bank, he made a profound impact on the lives of many in the community over the course of more than three decades.
Howard was a member of the First Christian Church of White Hall where he served as an Elder. He was also a member of the White Hall Lions Club. The family asks that donations be made in Howard’s memory to either of these valuable organizations in lieu of flowers.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home with private interment at White Hall Cemetery. The family met with friends from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in White Hall is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.