Class of 1956

Willard Pierce Obituary

Willard Elroy Pierce was born on Aug. 15, 1938 in North English, Iowa the son of Willard Dale and Frances Augusta (Knipfer) Pierce.
Elroy entered into eternal peace on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010 at the Tabor Manor Care Center following a brief battle with cancer.
Elroy's early years were spent growing up in the country southeast of Farragut. He attended Farragut Community School and graduated with the Class of 1956.
On July 18, 1956 he enlisted in the United States Navy. While he was in the military he was stationed in Bainbridge, Md., San Francisco, and San Diego. He served his country as a draftsman until he was honorably discharged on August 14, 1959.
He was united in marriage to Mary Miller and to this union one son, William, was born. The couple made their home in Farragut and for the last several years has resided in Shenandoah.
Elroy was quite the artist. His passion for drawing and animation led him to work for Disney Studios, a job that he received through a wonderful reference letter from his mentor Lyle Latimer, who always believed in Elroy's abilities. He also worked as a firefighter, draftsman, and as a mason for J.E. Dunn, Jim Dobbs, Jack Hodges, and Bill Dobbs. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Farragut and the Eagle's in Shenandoah. Some of his passions included drawing, Iowa Hawk-Eye Football, sports, snooker, riding broncos in the rodeo, and gardening. He grew the best sweet corn!
His parents preceded him in death.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife Mary; son Bill and wife Samantha Pierce; grandchildren Zachary Gobert, Jacob Pierce, Savannah Pierce, Samual Pierce, and Chloe; sisters Francine Bangs, Janice Anderzhon and husband Jim and Julie Hayes and husband Jerry; step-children Kathy Durm, David Taylor and Scott Taylor; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Memorial Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Ver Woert officiating.
Attending to the memorial register was Linda Holman. Special music for the service included the recordings of "Hello Love" and "Wind Beneath My Wings". Honorary Casket Bearers included Jerry Hayes, Jim Anderzhon, Mike Hodges, Jerry Ketcham, Jim Booker, Charles Hendrickson, Glen Brink, Bill Knipfer, and Kenneth Knipfer.
Inurnment followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery with complete military honors conducted by the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

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Published by Shenandoah Valley News Today on Oct. 7, 2010.