OBITUARIES

Gary Lee Pierce Sr. departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in the comfort of his home in Purcell.

Born in Joplin on April 8, 1952, to the late William and Jean (Silvey) Pierce, Gary lived most of his life in the Purcell/Neck City area.

One of seven children, he had three sisters, Brenda, Janetta, and Kim (all who have passed), and three brothers Bill, of Carthage, Rick and Ed, both of Neck City.

After attending Alba school until it closed in 1968, he graduated from Webb City High School in 1970.

Gary worked for Dickey Clay (Pittsburg, Kan.) and Joplin Stone before his employment with Leggett and Platt in Carthage. He retired on May 8, 2018, after 29 years.

With help from his mother and father, former wife Debbie (Meador/Ruehlen, Carthage), and current wife of 37 years JoAnn (McQueen, Pittsburg), Gary raised two wonderful children, Heather Dawn Pierce, of Carthage, and Gary Lee Pierce Jr., of Webb City.

He is also survived by four stepchildren; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Gary enjoyed being in nature with his family. He loved boating on Grand Lake, fishing, deer and turkey hunting, and searching for the elusive morel mushrooms. He could often be found sitting in his chair on the “family gravel bar” on Spring River. If he was not able to join in on the fun, he aways wanted to see pictures of his kids and grandkids out in the wilderness and on the hunt! His next generation “kids,” the Bantam chickens and the many birds who frequented his beautiful yard were his pride. His home and his garden beds of flowers, tomatoes, and cucumbers were testaments of his patience and persistence. With a twinkle in his baby blue eyes, his pearls of wisdom and playful humor were ever present. He was dearly loved and will be incredibly missed by many.

Please kindly remember Gary Sr., his family, and friends in your thoughts and prayers. At his request, there will be no formal memorial service. Arrangements were under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory, Joplin. A private family burial ceremony was held at Weaver Cemetery, County Road 227, Oronogo.