Captain Andrew Pearson sacrificed his life on April 30, 2008, for a country he dearly loved. He was proud to have served with the United States Army.
Drew attended high school for a short time at CMR in Great Falls and then, after moving to Billings, graduated high school from Billings Senior High. After graduation, he worked for Lockwood IGA.
After his enlistment, his army career began in Fort Lewis. With much hard work, endorsements by his base commander and Senator Max Baucus, Drew was appointed to West Point Military Academy. He graduated there in 2001. Shortly after his graduation, he married his wife, Jon Marie. He was then transferred to Hawaii with his wife and three children. While there, Drew and Jo had a son, Kristopher James.
Drew was on his third tour, having been in Afghanistan once and Iraq twice. He was Company Commander of the H&H Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. His mission was to educate and support the Iraqi forces. On a convoy movement, Drew and Spc. Ronald J. Tucker died from wounds suffered when their vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device.
Surviving family include wife, Jon Marie, children Danny, Gaby, Cheyenne and Kristopher James (Fort Hood, Texas); father, Ronald Pearson (Sandy) of Billings; mother, Sue Scott (Shawn) of Boise, Idaho; stepmother Rene Johnson (Jay) of Billings; sisters Heather Smith (Tanner) and Jennifer Pearson of Billings; brothers, Wayne and Hugh Scott of Boise; grandparents Carlton and Irene Pearson of Chandler, Ariz.; grandparents Julian and Yvonne Kobasziar of Great Falls; uncles Jack Kobasziar of Great Falls and Alex Pearson of Billings, Bob Wigdorski of Great Falls; aunt, Kathleen Reed of Boise. All family members are extremely proud of his service to his country.
He loved Montana. Hunting, fishing and bike riding were some of his favorite pastimes. He lived life to the fullest and was even know to take part in a "Great Jackalope Hunt." He was also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan no matter how hard his dad tried to convert him.
There will be a memorial service scheduled at the War Memorial by the Yellowstone County Courthouse at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10, followed by a reception for all family and friends to be announced. There will also be a memorial service at Fort Hood, Texas, on May 15. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined.
Drew was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend, a patriot for the American way of life. A true hero.
We love and miss you, Drew.
This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.
Drew was a really good guy! I rode the bus from Lockwood to Senior with him every morning and had quite a few discussions about the cowboys! I feel very honored to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Kacey Isakson (Fox)
May 10, 2008 | Billings, MT
Rene & family
We were so sad to hear the news about Drew. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
DeeAnn & Lindsey Nielsen
May 09, 2008 | Billings, MT
Rene, Jay, Heather, and Pearson, (Jenn) I just heard about Drew and I wanted to let you all know we are thinking of you especially during this difficult time! Please give Jenn a hug from Hutchinson. Take care of each other.
Sheila Hutchinson
May 09, 2008 | Billings, MT
Ron & Sandy
I am very sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers and thoughts are with you.
May 06, 2008 | Billings, MT
Rene and Family,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers during this time of sadness.
Don & Elizabeth Johnson
(Kathy's son)
Don Johnson
May 06, 2008 | Tampa, FL
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Drew's family. His love for his family was so evident. My little girl loved to run to him for a big hug! When my husband was deployed, Drew and his family helped me sometimes without even being asked. We will miss you, Drew, and we will love your dear family.
Lisa Berge
May 06, 2008 | Ft Hood, TX
From myself and the Montana Red Cross, our heart felt sympathy for your loss. May there be any assistance to your family, please do not hessitate to contact us.
And there came a quiet moment when God opened the heavens to receive another soldier for peace and goodness in the world. Now does he watch over us on angelic wing.
Ken Hall
May 06, 2008 | Billings, MT
I went to school with Drew and worked with Drew at the IGA in highschool. I joined the ARMY before Drew and I remember how much grief he gave me about it-and to find out later he joined too! It was a joke between us. He was such a kind person and a hard worker/student. He put his all into everything he did, even as a teenager. I can only imagine what an awesome husband/dad/soldier he became as an adult. My heart goes out to Drew's wife and children. His whole family will be in my prayers.
Rene Mark
May 05, 2008 | McKinney, TX
Rene` and family, My heart is breaking for you. Drew will always be fondly remembered. Kathy J
Kathy Johnson
May 05, 2008 | Billings, MT
