Robert Donald Pierce

Robert Donald Pierce, 94, died October 30, 2020 at his home in Sumner, Nebraska, after a short illness.

Robert, better known as Bob, Pierce was born March 5, 1926 in Sumner to Jesse and Grace (Lahm) Pierce. Twelve days after his birth, his mother died from complications. Before her death, she and Jesse made the heart-wrenching decision to ask her sister, Mary, to raise the baby as her own. She and her husband, Ralph Scoville provided a loving home and seven younger sisters and brothers for Bob. Jesse later remarried to Lucille (Linville) and they gave Bob two half-brothers. Bob always said he was the luckiest guy in the world because he had two families.

Bob grew up in Sumner, attending the Sumner school all twelve years, and graduating in 1943. It was during high school that he changed his last name from Scoville back to Pierce, at Ralph’s urging. He worked on the Paul Porath farm for a short time and then took a job at the Fees Service Station in Eddyville until 1944 when he entered the US Army at the age of 18. Shortly after basic training, he was shipped overseas. After 40 days of watching everyone around him fight seasickness, he landed on Leyte Island where he was assigned to the Americal Infantry Division, which was in combat on Cebu Island. Bob celebrated his 19th birthday in a foxhole on Leyte Island and spent 89 days in combat as an Infantry Rifleman. As a platoon runner, Bob carried his gear plus his platoon’s 50-pound radio, which was their lifeline, and only contact with headquarters.

After Cebu, the Americal division went into amphibious training in preparation for invading the mainland of Japan. While Bob was enroute to Japan, the Atomic bombs were dropped, and the war ended. Bob returned home in October 1946 and was discharged in November. It was not until his later years that he started sharing his experiences during the War. He was deeply impacted by those memories and was honored to be a veteran and to be part of the “Greatest Generation.”

On June 4, 1948 Bob married Marjorie Newquist who lived on a farm just west of Sumner. He worked for Scoville Oil Company for six years and then farmed with his father-in-law. In 1958, he became the Postmaster in Sumner and served as Postmaster until his retirement in 1989. During his tenure as Postmaster, and until his death, he continued to farm. Even at the age of 94 he enjoyed checking the cows.

It seems impossible to speak of consolation in the face of such loss, but the family takes great comfort in KNOWING that Bob will spend eternity in the presence of the Lord and a host of family and friends in heaven. Bob accepted Jesus as his savior during the summer of 1943 at Polk Bible Camp. He and Marj faithfully attended the Evangelical Free Church, which later became the United Church of Sumner, all their married life. They nurtured a Christ-loving family, opened their home to pastors and visiting missionaries, and served the Church in many different capacities for well over 60 years.

Bob loved farming, being involved in Church activities, and driving around the countryside. He enjoyed living in Sumner and was active in many aspects of community life. He belonged to the American Legion and the Commercial Club, he served on the School board and was a member of the Board for the Dawson County Transit Bus. Bob was a charter member of the Sumner Rescue Unit and served there for many years.

Above all this, he cherished his family, which was evidenced in his involvement in their lives. Even at 94, he attended as many birthday parties and ball games as his health would allow. He was more than pleased to know that his family was following in his footsteps, loving God, and humbly seeking His will.

Bob never knew a stranger and will always remain very much alive in the memories of those who loved and respected him. He leaves to treasure his memory, six children: Margene (Russ) Bauer, Amherst; Richard (Janna) Pierce, Miller; Ronald (Brenda) Pierce, Sumner; Marilyn (Lynn) Crouse, Hutchinson, KS; Marianne Pierce, Holdrege; and, Randall (Jean) Pierce, Sumner; 18 grandchildren and their spouses; 12 great grandchildren; one sister; four brothers and their spouses; two sisters-in-law; and, many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, his beloved wife Marjorie, one grandson, one sister, three brothers, five sisters-in-law and five brothers-in-law.

Funeral Services will be on Monday, November 9, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Church of Sumner with Pastor Ken Hutson and Pastor Tom Macy, officiating. The service will be livestreamed via the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home Facebook page.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2020 from 3-6 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Social distancing and face masks are encouraged.

Interment with Military Honors will be in the Sumner Cemetery at Sumner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are kindly suggested to the Sumner Rescue Unit, United Church of Sumner, Sumner American Legion Post 41, or KJLT Radio Station in North Platte.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com