In Memory
Jack R. Pierce
Nov. 30, 1924 - Dec. 1, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Jack R. Pierce, 86, residing in South Bend, IN, passed away at 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2010, at home. He was born and raised in South Bend by his parents, James H. and Agnes (Dish) Pierce.
Jack graduated from Riley High School in 1943. He proudly served as quartermaster on PT boats in the U.S. Navy, and was awarded the Purple Heart while serving in WW II. Jack then returned to South Bend and graduated Cum Laude from Notre Dame in 1949.
Jack married DonaLou Garn, his wife of 62 years, on August 28, 1948. His lifelong career in the insurance industry started in Property and Casualty and ended with his own successful life insurance business. During that time he earned the professional certifications of CPCU, CLU and ChFC.
Jack had a great sense of humor, was quick to laugh, and find the good or humorous in bad situations. He loved watching football, and especially rooting for his beloved Irish. He was an avid reader and a good storyteller. He loved being outside either traveling seeing all the beauty of the United States or just sitting back and fishing by the side of a lake hoping to catch that trophy fish. He also looked forward to playing cards with some of his closest friends. Jack was an active member of Clay United Methodist Church. He showed compassion for those less fortunate and contributed to their help through a number of charities. His honesty and loyalty fared him well in personal and business relationships. He was a devoted and loving husband and father, and was loved and respected by family and friends alike. He will be greatly missed.
Jack is succeeded by his wife, DonaLou Pierce; one daughter, Valory Lea Pierce, and husband, Richard Martin of San Antonio, TX; two sons, Michael Pierce and wife, Charlene of Kennesaw, GA, and Douglas Pierce of Kalispell, MT; four grandchildren, Nawnie, Travis, Griffin and Trenton Pierce; and one great-grandson, Jack Pierce.
He was preceded in death by three sisters, Marguerite "Peg" Luther, Helen Keogan and Grace "Patsy" Anthony, as well as by a brother, Lester Pierce.
Visitation will be held one half-hour prior to the 6:30 p.m. memorial service today, December 5th, 2010, at Clay Church, 52866 Ironwood Road in South Bend. Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, and Southlawn Cremation Services, are assisting the family. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations on behalf of Jack be made to any of the following: Clay Church for water wells in Africa, 17646 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635; to Bethel College, 1001 W. McKinley Avenue, Mishawaka, IN 46545; to Hope Ministries, P.O. Box 4488, South Bend, IN 46634-4488; or to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, 3408 Ardmore Trail, South Bend, IN 46628. Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, and Southlawn Cremation Services, are assisting the family. Online condolences to the Pierce family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
Published by South Bend Tribune on Dec. 5, 2010.
07/19/2023 EJS
|