Donald R. Pierce's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Donald R. Pierce, age 88 of Charleston, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 19, 2014 while at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, October 22, 2014, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at the funeral chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2014 with Pastor Tom Skinner and B.F. McClerren officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Friendship Baptist Church Building Fund or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Don was born on March 9, 1926 in Charleston, Illinois, a son of the late Ray A. and Cleo (McElwee) Pierce. On February 22, 1947, he married Lucille Miller and they have been blessed with 67 years of marriage and friendship. In addition to Lucille, he is survived by a son, Lyle Pierce and his wife Jean of Monmouth, Illinois; a daughter, Loretta Benge and husband John of Charleston; a step grandson, Jason Benge of St. Louis; a sister, Barbara Babbs of Neoga and formerly of Ashmore, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Randy Pierce; a grandson, Chad Pierce; and two brothers, Max Pierce and Dale Pierce. Don was a longtime member of East Harrison Street Church of God and currently a member of Friendship Baptist Church. He was a man of faith and always an active participant in various church groups and functions. He was also a former member of the Coles County Farm Bureau and a U.S. Army Veteran. Don was a self-employed grain and livestock farmer who owned and farmed land in both Charleston and Hutton Townships. He truly loved his chosen career and even after retirement, Don enjoyed watching the harvest and maintained a vital interest in the day-to-day decisions.He was a loyal friend to many who appreciated his values of kindness and honesty. For the past 35 years Don enjoyed sharing coffee and conversation with many of those friends at McDonald's on a daily basis. None valued his friendship more than his canine companion, Honey. Their daily truck rides were looked forward to by both. Don's family and friends will treasure their fond and loving memories of the many blessings he brought to their lives.Click here to Don's memorial video.
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