Richard Charles Pierce

June 28, 1926 - May 13, 2009

STRATTON -- Richard Charles Pierce of Kearney, formerly of Stratton, died Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in Grand Island. He was 82 years old.

Richard was born June 28, 1926, in Stratton to Charles Elkanah and Lucy Belle (Cushing) Pierce. He graduated from Stratton High School.

On Aug. 5, 1943, he entered the U.S. Navy and served with the Medical Corp during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a Pharmacist 2nd Class on March 25, 1946.

On March 7, 1946, he was united in marriage to Vivian Lerneda Richards in Atwood. To this union three children were born, Geraldine, Kenneth, and Rodney. They made their home on a farm near Stratton where Richard was a registered Angus breeder for 56 years. They moved to Kearney most recently to be near family.

Richard was a member of the Stratton American Legion and Veteran's of Foreign Wars. He was also a proud member of the Second Buffalo County Hero Flight to Washington, DC and was honored to pay respects to the World War II Memorial.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Charles and Lucy Pierce, two brothers, and two sisters.

Survivors include his bride of 63 years, Vivian of Kearney; daughter, Geraldine K. Pierce of Northglenn, Colo.; two sons, Kenneth Pierce and wife, Avis of Kearney and Rodney Pierce and wife, Candace of Windsor, Colo.; and five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

There is no visitation, the family has chosen cremation. Friends may sign his book at the church or send condolences to www.carpenterbreland.com.

A memorial service will be Monday, May 18, 2009, 2:30 p.m. at Stratton Church of Christ with Randy Hayes and Kevin Fink officiating. Inurnment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.