Walter Pierce – Jan. 19, 1940 – Nov. 5, 2019
Walter H. Pierce, 79, of Springfield, passed peacefully at home in his sleep on Nov. 5, 2019 after courageously and bravely fighting complications from multiple surgeries.
Walter was born on Jan. 19, 1940 in Ardmore, Okla. to Charlie O. Pierce and Ora M. Pierce-Freeman. He was the seventh of 10 children and the only adult son, as two brothers passed away in childhood.
Walter proudly served in the US Navy Reserve from 1957 to 1958, then enlisted in the US Navy, serving from 1958 to 1962 as an electrician on the USS Ute and the USS Hassayampa.
He married Ramona Pierce (née Nelson) in 1966 and had two daughters, Pam and Michelle.
He worked as a mechanic and shop foreman for 19 years at the City of Springfield and for 22 years at Willamalane Parks and Recreation, where he proudly designed and fabricated the very first train to be in the annual Springfield Christmas Parade. He was their only mechanic until his retirement in 2005.
Over the past several years, Walt enjoyed attending the weekly coffee group consisting primarily of retired city and county employees, and the monthly Willamette Valley Arms Collectors Association meetings.
He is survived by his ex-wife Ramona of Springfield; his two daughters, Pam Stanley and Michelle Rohrich and sons-in-law Mike Stanley and Dan Rohrich; the pride and joy of his life, granddaughter Paxtynn, who was his Angel; his three remaining sisters, Georgia of New York, Charleen of Wyoming and Thelma of Oregon; his only remaining brother-in-law, Dave of Texas; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on Dec. 14. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Honor Flight.
