Donald Clyde Pierce, 86

Donald Clyde Pierce “Don” passed away peacefully at his home in Coeur d’Alene on Aug. 6, 2013. He was in the company of his best friend “Buddy” his dog, right beside him.

In passing he is survived by his sweet wife, Marie Pierce; her children, Ginny Lescher, Joseph Davis, Linda Gilliland of Coeur d’Alene, Richard Gallegos, Lena Gordon, Lilly Mayhew; 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Also his prior wife, Virginia Cotton of Gastonia, N.C.; his children, Judith Ann Pierce of Las Vegas, Nev., Deborah Eugenia Pierce of Las Vegas, Dale Ivan Pierce of Panoma City, Fla.; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Don was born to Bud and Martha Pierce on Feb. 20, 1927, in Henryetta, Okla. At 17 years of age, he enlisted in the Navy. He was the ship’s welder. He served from 1948 to 1952. After the service he settled in Downey, Calif., where he remained and worked as a postal employee at Rancho Los Amigos. Then in 1972 he moved to Swan Lake and Riverside County in 1977, eventually moving to Coeur d’Alene in 1990. This has been his home ever since that time.

Throughout his life he was very active in square dancing.

He was a 32 degree Master Mason in Downey for more than 50 years. Twenty-three of those years were right here in Coeur d’Alene. He also belonged to the “Independent order of Foresters” where he held many offices.

Don will always be remembered for his positive attitude toward life, and his love for family and friends, and his honest and loving nature.

“He never met a stranger.” We will miss you so much.