SOUTH PARIS – Durward W. Piper, 80, of Mechanic Falls, died Sunday morning at the Maine Veterans Home.

He was born in Mechanic Falls, Dec. 27, 1925, the son of Jacob and Marion Preble Piper.

He attended school in Mechanic Falls and worked many years as a correctional officer at State of Maine correctional facilities.

He was a member of American Legion Post No. 150, the Masons, and was a Shriner.

He faithfully served his country during World War II in the Navy aboard the USS Paul Hamilton.

He had lived in Bradenton, Fla., for several years before returning home to Mechanic Falls.

On June 15, 1946, he married Alice Morrison, who died Dec. 16, 1987.

Survivors include his three sons and their wives, Steven and Sandra, Kenneth and Pamela and Donald and Cheryl, all of Minot; a brother, Bradley of Norway; nine grandchildren, James of Minot, Jason of Greene, Jennifer of California, Benjamin of Minot, Nicholas of Minot, Rachel of Yarmouth, Matthew of Portland, and Paige and Eric of Minot; three great-grandchildren, Emily, daughter of James, Callum, son of Nicholas, and Katie, daughter of Rachel; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special family in Florida.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Richard and George; and a sister, Judith Needham.