John Matthew "Johnny" Piepenbrink
(April 10, 1968 - April 6, 2012)

John Matthew "Johnny" Piepenbrink, 43, made his final trip home to be with our Savior on April 6, 2012. He was born on April 10, 1968 in Huntington where he was a life long resident. He was the son of Lee and Sally Piepenbrink of Martinsburg, WV. His paternal grandparents, Pete and Nina Piepenbrink; maternal grandmother Tabitha Moberley; and an aunt, Judy Matthews, preceded him in death. Additional survivors include: two sisters, Lisa Gates and husband Eric of Martinsburg, and Mary Jo Piepenbrink of Wilmington, NC; one brother, David Piepenbrink and wife Kelly of Inwood, WV; nephews, Chance and Clark Harrison, and Eli and Breck Gates; nieces, Rachel and Grace Piepenbrink; an aunt, Ann Gazelle of Columbus, OH; an uncle George Matthews of Proctorville, OH; and cousins, Robert and Steven Matthews. Johnny had a true love of sports and animals. His most prized possessions were his two dogs - Foley and Lucy. They brought him much joy. He also enjoyed fishing with his buddies and riding his Harley. But his main love in life was to spend time with his family and his close knit group of friends. Because Johnny lived in Huntington his entire life, he met hundreds of people who were touched by his kindness and his unfailing generosity. Johnny was known to always be there for his family and friends; all it took was a call and he dropped everything for you. Johnny began his sports journey with Little League 5 Huntington Federal baseball team in 1977. He continued playing sports at Huntington East High School where he graduated in 1986. He excelled at every sport he played. One of the many highlights at East was pitching in the WV State Championship his Senior year. Johnny received a baseball scholarship to Marshall University and played from 1987-1990 under Coach Jack Cook and later under Coach Howard McCann. His family ask you to join them in remembrance of his precious life. Friends may call at Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington, from 5:00 until 8:00 PM Thursday April 12, 2012. Funeral service will be conducted 12:00 PM Friday, April 13, 2012, at Chapman's, with Dr. David B. Lemming officiating. There will be a memorial service held on Sunday, April 15, 2012 in Martinsburg, WV at The Living Room church at 3:00 PM for family and friends. Burial will be in Martinsburg, WV. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Healing Place of Huntington, 2425 9th Ave. Huntington, WV 25703 or the Fido Fund at Huntington Cabell Wayne Animal Shelter, 1901 James River Rd. Huntington, WV 25701.