Carl Pierce of Farmington, Missouri was born on Saturday, December 7, 1929 in Granite City, Illinois a son of the late, Annie (Robinson) Pierce and John Pierce. Carl grew up on the family farm near Belgrade, Missouri. Carl departed this life on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at the Des Peres Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri having reached the age of eighty-two years, one month and twenty-two days.
Carl was united in marriage to Zelma Kinney on December 28, 1950 in Flint, Michigan.
Carl is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Zelma Pierce of Farmington, Missouri; two daughters, Carolyn VonThun of Desloge, Missouri, Ruthann Williams and husband, Scott of Holden, Missouri; two sons, John Pierce and wife, Karen of Bethel, Missouri, Thomas Pierce of Irondale, Missouri; thirteen grandchildren, Troy, Tammy, Travis, Timothy, Rebecca, Sarah, Jennifer, Tiffany, Cody, John, Andrew, Alex and Matthew; twenty great-grandchildren; also surviving are other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by one brother, John Pierce and son-in-law, Terry VonThun.
Carl served in the United States Navy as an Airborne Sonar Navigator during the Korean War, serving on several aircraft carriers. While serving, Carl received the National Defense Service Medal and an Honorable Discharge.
Carl was a longtime member of the Caledonia United Methodist Church and at one time, he was privileged to be a lay minister of the Methodist Church. He enjoyed his farm life and sharing the importance of it with his children. Carl worked as a soil conservationist for the United States Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. He also served as a Boy Scout Leader for many years and was a member of the Valley Lions Club and the Gideon Society. Carl was a kind and generous man who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Memorial Visitation was held Tuesday, January 31, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi, Missouri.
A Memorial Service was held Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Moore Memorial Chapel, Potosi, Missouri.
Memorials in Carl’s Honor and Memory may be directed to the Caledonia United Methodist Church and/or to the Presbyterian Manors of Med-America, 500 Cayce, Farmington, MO 63640.
Services were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Homes, 105 Clark Street, Potosi, Missouri.
