CHARLES R PIERCE – CLASS OF 1954
CHARLES R PIERCE – CLASS OF 1954
Pierce, Charles R of Grand Rapids, Michigan
PIERCE — Charles R. Pierce passed away peacefully on October 9, 2003, at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer.
Charles was born May 16, 1931 in Fort Wayne, Indiana the son of Charles A. and Doris M. Pierce who preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara whom he married on August 14, 1976; his children, Dan (Sally) Pierce of Perrysburg, OH, Jeff (Linda) Pierce of Grand Ledge, Michigan, Greg (Sherry) Timmer of Jensen Beach, Florida, Robin (Steve) Rogers of Stuart, Florida, and Becky (Chris) Manos of Cascade, MI. Charlie is also survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He had two brothers, Byron (Shirley) Pierce of Fort Wayne, IN, Jim (Wanda) Pierce of Orland, IN; brother-in-law, Fred (Teresa) Gebauer of Cascade, MI and several nieces and nephews.
Charlie graduated from North Side High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1949 where he earned All-State football honors. He then attended Purdue University and subsequently graduated from Western Michigan University where he also played football.
He served with the U.S. Army in Wurzburg, Germany until 1956, and then returned home to begin a teaching and football-coaching career. He became the head football coach at Lowell High School in 1957 and held that position until 1967. He taught Mathematics for 37 years and retired from Lowell High School in 1993.
He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed traveling the country in their RV.
Funeral services will be Monday 1:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Lowell, 404 N. Hudson, Dr. Richard Greenwood and Pastor Roger LaWarre, officiating. Interment Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 2 to 6 p.m. at the Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson and Monday one hour prior to the service at church. Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurses Hospice, 1401 Cedar St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.gerstfuneralhomes.com