Walter R. Pierce, 85, of Warren, PA, died Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at Warren Manor Nursing Home after an extended illness. He was born December 27, 1933 in Warren, PA. Walter was the son of the late Guard and Isabel Ferry Pierce. He has resided in the Warren area his entire life and was employed with the Warren County School District in the custodial department. He was formerly employed with the former Struthers Wells Corporation as a fitter for 27 ½ years and the former Dorcan for 7 years. Walt was an avid hunter and fisherman. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a seaman recruit. He is survived by Mary Corless Pierce whom he married; 3 Children – Faye A. Schwanke and husband, Mark of Russell, PA, Michael Pierce, Randy Pierce and wife, Leslie all of Warren, PA; 2 Brothers –Richard Pierce of Pittsfield, PA., Jack Pierce of Warren, PA., 1 Sister – Pam Pierce of Warren, PA; 6 Grandchildren – Amanda Pierce and companion Lance VanCise, Steven Pierce and companion Vickie Mott, Adam Pierce, Lucas Schwanke, Doven and husband, John Tack, and Kayla Schwanke and fiancé Louie DeCristoforo; 3 Great Granddaughters – Mary Lou and Willow Pierce, and Evelyn VanCise, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 Brother – Guard Pierce, Jr., 1 Sister – Margaret Isabel Pierce, 1 Infant Sister – Isabel Pierce, and 1 Infant Brother – John H. Pierce. A memorial service will be conducted at the Russell United Methodist Church, Russell, PA., on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Jerome Kennedy, Pastor, officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the memorial service. Full military honors will be conducted by members of the Sheffield/Clarendon V.F.W. Funeral Detail and the U.S. Navy personnel. Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park. Those wishing to place a memorial may do so through the Russell United Methodist Church, 17 N. Main St., Russell, PA, 16345, or the American Diabetes Association. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
My Dad, Robert Ferry, had three brothers (Bill, Leo, and Dick) and four sisters (Mary, Bell, Libby, and Vicki). Company “I” in the ’30’s was the armory where four men from my family served: Mary’s husband Lloyd Ziegler, Bell’s husband Guard Pierce, Leo, and Dad.
Guard and Bell had four sons: Guard Junior, Walter, Jack, and Richard. What influence did military service in Company “I” have on the Pierce family? All four sons followed in their father’s footsteps! They proudly wore the military uniforms of the USA. Junior and Jack “Fuzzy” were Marines, Walt was Navy, and Richard was Army.
When I was about five, I remember that Mom told me that Cousin Walt was coming home and that I should watch for him coming down Elm Street where we lived. Soon Walt came into sight — and what a sight. Walt was in his white Navy uniform walking with pride in each step. The past 65+ years have not diminished my mentally recorded image of Walt in his white uniform.
Walt is no longer the tall, dark-haired young sailor but his walk down Elm Street years ago certainly impressed me. May he rest in peace. Thank you, Cousin, for your military service.
Thank you for your message and the memories of my dad, it means a lot to me.
My deepest sympathy to all the family in the loss of your loved one..My Dad, Bob and Walt’s Mom were brother and sister. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Yes I remember you, I thank you your thoughts.
Please know you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one…Walt’s Mom and my Dad, Bob were brother and sister..May God be with you in this difficult time. Linda Ruhlman
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Walter’s mom and my Dad, Richard Ferry, were brother and sister. I remember Walt well back in the olden days. He was fun to be around.
Charlane and Gary Keziah