Floyd Vernon Pierce

Floyd Vernon Pierce, 85, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Saturday, June 14, 2008, at his home in Lexington. He was born May 23, 1923, at Overton, Nebraska, to James E. and Alice H. (Musser) Pierce. Floyd lived his entire life in the Overton/Lexington area except for the time he spent in the United States Army. He was 1942 graduate of Overton High School. He entered the United States Army on February 17, 1943, and served in the Pacific Theater in the Engineer Battalion. Floyd was honorably discharged on January 8, 1946. Floyd was in the construction and excavating business from 1948 to 1962, and worked for 24 years as a Tool & Die Maker at Monroe Auto in Cozad, Nebraska. He lived his life as a bachelor for 66 years until meeting the love of his life, Ione E. (Spreier) McHale. The couple was married March 17, 1990, at Lexington, Nebraska. Floyd had a keen interest in flying, even building his own biplane from scratch and was well known around Lexington for this accomplishment. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association for over 40 years. He also enjoyed riding bicycles with Ione and being with her family who so graciously accepted him with open arms. Floyd was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served on the Administrative board. He was also a member of the Lexington Lion’s Club and was instrumental in starting the recycling business with the trailer which later became one of the Lion’s Club’s greatest fundraisers. Survivors include his wife: Ione E. Pierce of Lexington, Nebraska Stepson: Max D. McHale of Lincoln, Nebraska Stepdaughter: Linda K. Guill and Rick Klauz of Lexington, Nebraska Two brothers: Clarence (Dorothy) Pierce of Ceres, California Glenn (Edna) Pierce of Byhalia, Mississippi Two sisters: Joy Beatty of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Melva (Floyd) Hughbanks of Smithfield, Nebraska Four grandchildren: Russell (Lisa) Guill of Lincoln, Nebraska; Kristin (Jonathan) Leahy of Westminster, Colorado; Jennifer (Seth) Felton of Lincoln, Nebraska; David McHale of Lincoln, Nebraska. One great-granddaughter: Samantha Leahy of Westminster, Colorado Floyd was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roy Pierce; one infant sister; one brother-in-law, Hanford Beatty and one grandson, Ryan Guill. It was Floyd’s wishes his body be cremated. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend John Craig, Reverend Todd Karges and Pastor K.C. BeDunnah officiating. There will be no Visitation. Inurnment with Military Honors will be at 12:30 p.m. prior to the Memorial Service at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department, the Tri-County Hospital Hospice, Columbarium Fund at First United Methodist Church or the Donor’s Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.