Joseph Chaly Piland
May 13, 1933 - September 15, 2025
Joseph Chaly Piland was born in Crossville, IL to Claud and Virginia Piland (nee Prince). He was married to E. Jo Anne Piland (deceased) and then Maxine Piland until the time of his death. He is survived by sons John Charles Piland of Clearwater, FL (wife Debra) and James Robert Piland of Tulsa, OK (wife Ann). He had four grandchildren; Andrew H. Piland of Ft. Worth, TX, Jamie M. Clarke of Owasso, OK, Jacqueline P. Piland of Bedford, TX, and David L. Piland of Houston, TX. He had four great grandchildren; Charlotte and Claire Clarke, and Ruth Ellen and Emma Piland. His greatest pride and joy was his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Joe Piland attended Southern Illinois University where he received Bachelor's and Master's degrees while serving in the Air Force ROTC. Upon graduation he served on active duty in the USAF as a 1st Lieutenant. He then served as a school principal in Rantoul, IL before earning his Ed. D. at Illinois State University. He was the first President of Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, IL and served there until 1980 when he became President of Highland Community College in Freeport, IL. He retired to Hot Springs Village, AR and later moved to Krum, TX and Tulsa, OK.
He was an active Freemason having joined the masonic lodge in Norris City, Illinois in 1959. He served as the Worshipful Master of Krum Lodge #1453, Krum Texas in 2018-19 and earned the Golden Trowel Award, for distinguished service, in 2023. He was an Illinois, Texas, Scottish Rite, York Rite and Shrine Mason.
He attended Asbury Church and lived at Covenant Living at Inverness in Tulsa, OK the final two years of life.
Contributions or donations in his honor may be made to the Highland Community College Foundation in Freeport, IL or the Lincoln Trail College Foundation in Robinson, IL.