LEWIS W. PIFER
Lewis Weaver Pifer, 89, died April 12 in Durham.
Born on Jan. 17, 1916 in Parsons, W.VA., he moved to Durham in 1926. He graduated from Duke University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1939. While a student he worked on such projects as the construction of Cameron Indoor Stadium.
For Wright Aeronautical in New Jersey he helped developed WWII aircraft engines. At that time he learned to fly over NYC! In April 1943 he married Mildred Finefrock. After the war they moved back to Durham and founded Pifer Industries with his brother, Robert. A metal fabrication business, Pifer Ind. made anything from little parts for use in space rockets to cigarette trays for all the large tobacco companies and cookie trays for family and friends. When Lewis retired from his business he continued making small parts from his home.
Lewis sang as a tenor in the choirs at Duke Memorial UMC and Epworth UMC for 60 years. In addition to his love of music, he enjoyed planting perennials. He had a list and knew the name of every plant which he had bought.
One of the very important loves of Lewis' life was his membership in the Kiwanis Club of Durham since 1958. He served as President, twice as Lt. Governor of the District, and Treasurer for many years. He was very proud of receiving the Distinguished Service Award, Carolina Performance Award, Distinguished Kiwanian, and especially the Hixon Award.
In addition to his wife Millie of 62 years, he is survived by his son and daughter-in law Ron and Patrice Pifer from Lake Elsinore, Calif., his daughter and son-in-law, Judy and John Haverkamp from Goldsboro, N.C., and his son Jim Pifer from Zebulon, N.C.; his brother, Robert Pifer of Durham; and five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the Kiwanis Foundation, PO Box 1742, Durham, NC 27702-1742 or Epworth UMC Care Group.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 17th, at Epworth United Methodist Church. Friends may visit with the family after the service.
(Written & Paid by the Family)
Published in Obituaries on April 15, 2005 1:54 PM