Willard "Ward" Pierce's Obituary
Mr. Willard “Ward” Pierce, age 77, passed away Friday, June 4, 2004, at Hackley Hospital. He was born August 27, 1926 to Oscar & Naomi (McKay) Pierce in Steele, MO. On September 18, 1948 he married the former Iris Gillhespy in Muskegon and following retirement, they were able to enjoy 8 winters in Gulf Shores, AL. Willard had been employed at CWC Foundry and Surburban Oil prior to his retirement from American Coil Springs, where he had worked 28 years. He was a WW II veteran and life member of the Muskegon Heights Eagles. He also was a member of the Muskegon Moose Lodge and attended First Baptist Church. Willard was affectionately known as “PeePaw” to his grandchildren. SURVIVORS include his wife of almost 56 years, Iris; 2 daughters, Carol (Ron) Ross of Grand Rapids and Marsha (Tim) Kozlowski of Kalamazoo; 2 granddaughters, Nikki McRoberts & husband Dan Langlois, Kelly (Scott) Greiner; 1 grandson, Benjamin Kozlowski; 1 great-grandson, Dylan McRoberts; 2 sisters, Delores (Wayne) Hall of Grand Rapids and Kay (Richard) Olsen of LosAngeles, CA; 4 sisters-in-law, Betty Briggs of Alpena, Marilyn Boca and Peggy (Tom) Eaton of Muskegon and Sherry (Larry) Bradley of Reynoldsburg, OH; and by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and 1 sister, Joann Pugh. SERVICES will be 1PM Wednesday at The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441 (231-759-8565) with Pastor John H. Brown officiating. Burial will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. VISITATION with Willard’s family will be 2-4 & 6-8PM Tuesday. MEMORIAL GIFTS to First Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society will be appreciated.
What’s your fondest memory of Willard "Ward"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Willard "Ward"?
Share a story where Willard "Ward"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Willard "Ward" you’ll never forget.
How did Willard "Ward" make you smile?