Ryan Glen Piper, 50, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 7:21 PM EST on March 20, 2026 at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Ryan was born September 7, 1975 in Mount Vernon to Benny Piper and Sheila (Kennedy) Piper. He married the love of his life, Stephanie Ann Flack in Mount Vernon on August 8, 1998.
Ryan is survived by his wife, Stephanie Ann Piper of Mount Vernon, Illinois; his children, Maggie Michelle Piper and husband, Kyle Sean Loos Miller of Lynn Haven, Florida and Eli Glen Piper of Mount Vernon, Illinois; parents, Benny Eugene Piper and Sheila Diane Piper of Mount Vernon; brother, Todd Alan Piper and wife, Gail, of Mount Vernon; nephews Benjamin Piper and wife, Emily of Maryland Heights, Missouri, Christopher Piper of Mount Vernon and girlfriend, Rachel; uncles, William “Brad” Piper of Fort Myers, Florida and Larry Kennedy of Louisville, Kentucky; aunt, Jackie Monroe of Daytona, Florida and grandfather, Glenn “Lit” Littrell of Mount Vernon. He is also survived by his mother-in law and father-in-law, Harry and Jana Flack; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Melissa and Brad Chesnek of Woodlawn, Illinois, Angel and Brandon Grothoff of Mount Vernon; nephews Graeson and Preston Grothoff, Hogan and Fowler Chesnek.
Ryan was a fiercely loyal and devoted husband and father. His family and dogs were his entire world. He enjoyed playing golf, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Blues hockey, coaching his children’s sports teams, fantasy football, keeping his truck clean, visiting with old friends and new ones at every restaurant in Mount Vernon, taking his dog, Winston, on truck rides to gas stations for snacks, playing slots with his mother, Sheila, raising hell with his best buddies through his younger years, vacationing in Panama City Beach, Florida, and nights by the fire table with his loved ones in their backyard.
Ryan never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. He had that magical quality about him that made people feel safe, supported, and cared for when they were in his presence. He always reminded his wife and children to “not take life too seriously,” laugh often, and live a little wilder and a little more free; especially towards his two favorite type-A girls, Steph and Magpie! He had a love for music of all genres and especially loved to connect with others through it. His favorites, were Sublime, Beastie Boys, Mötley Crüe, Snoop Dogg, and Guns ‘n Roses. Ryan had the biggest personality and cared so deeply about “his people”. If you knew him, you get it! He is one of a kind and will be so deeply missed by all who knew him.
Ryan was a member of several organization including the Mount Vernon, IL Elks Lodge No. 819, Ainad Shriners Temple, Mt Vernon Gun & Sportsman Club, as well as a dedicated coach and supporter of Jefferson County youth sports.
Ryan was a passionate Architectural Project Manager, working for EXP out of St. Louis, Missouri since 2000.
Ryan was preceded in death by his big brother, Christopher “Chris” Eugene Piper; grandparents, William “Bill” and Mary Marguerite Piper, Glenn Kennedy, Wathene Littrell; and aunt, Peggy Black.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Green Hills Golf Club in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Please stop by anytime wearing your favorite sports attire or graphic t-shirt, excluding any Chicago sports teams. We all know Ryan would not want that! Memorials may be made to Cardinals Care, St. Louis Cardinals Community Foundation in his honor.
Forever young, forever free.