Robert E. Pearson

Longtime Palm Springs resident, Robert E. Pearson, 81, passed away on Sat., July 4, 2009 in Clay Center, Kan. Born in Concordia, Kan., Jan. 31, l928, he is the son of Ben and Dorothy Pearson and brother to Richard, who died in the battle for Iwo Jima. He is survived by one sister, Karen Dyson and her husband Jerold of Clay Center, Kan., as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Robert exhibited an early interest in motion pictures and pursued a career in films and later in television that spanned nearly six decades. His boyish good looks won him numerous juvenile film roles. He later made his way into many television dramas during the golden age of TV. He acted in The Bob Hope Chrysler Theatre, The Loretta Young Show, Perry Mason, Day in Court to name just a few. Later, he even playfully showed up as one of the bachelors on The Dating Game, and won. He was a born salesman and to supplement his acting income, had several jobs from selling encyclopedia's and Fuller brushes to being top car salesman for one year for a Chrysler dealership in California. In the 1970's Robert wrote, co-produced and directed two full length motion pictures: "The Godchildren" and "The Devil and Leroy Bassett". He also had a hand in crafting scripts and concepts for other films. Retiring to Palm Springs, Robert remained active in the arts. He taught acting, was a self-trained artist, sculptor, writer and poet. He wrote an article about Parkinson's Disease which was published in the Parkinson Magazine called "The Insidious Tyrant". He still did his painting despite the tyrant inside of him until about three weeks before his death. Robert will be remembered for his unique use of vocabulary, funny stories, wit, and sense of humor. After cremation, his ashes will be returned to his beloved Palm Springs where a few close friends and relatives will see him off in a private ceremony.