Charles Warren Pearce

Charles Warren Pearce, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on January 13, 1943, in Waddell, Arizona, Charles was the beloved son of Warren G. Pearce and Quinie (McReynolds) Pearce.

During his early years, Charles was raised with the Creek Indians and spoke their language fluently. He had a deep appreciation for American Indian heritage and held a special admiration for his favorite Chief Joseph. His respect for their culture remained a significant part of his life, and he was a hero to many people who knew him.

On March 18, 1964, Charles married the love of his life, Sharon L. Duren, in Reno, Nevada. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising their five children: Charles Jr., Karen, Teri, Laura, and Lisa.

Charles began his journey in Arizona before moving to California and then settling in Oregon in 1971. For nearly 50 years, he called Aumsville, Oregon, his home. In 1979, he achieved the incredible feat of building the family home in Aumsville with his own hands. A talented machinist by trade, he was also the proud owner of Salem Machine and Fabrication. Later in life, alongside Sharon, he dedicated himself to providing compassionate care through their operation of five adult foster care homes for the elderly in the Aumsville area for over three decades.

Outside of work, Charles found joy in the simple pleasures of life. An avid gardener, he took great pride in growing his favorite vegetables, especially his prized tomatoes. He cherished hunting and fishing and spent years nurturing and selling Christmas trees with his family. His love for racing pigeons led him to the Foothills Racing Pigeon Club, where he accomplished the rare feat of training a bird to fly 500 straight air miles in a single day. Later, he pursued a passion for Quaker parrot breeding, ultimately achieving the rare distinction of developing a line of white Quaker parrots through genetic breeding.

Charles had a deep love for his family, always finding ways to bring them together. He delighted in planning annual Easter egg hunts for his grandchildren, enjoying casino trips with Sharon and their loved ones, and hosting cherished family dinners. A skilled card player, he relished friendly games with friends.

Above all, Charles will be remembered for his unwavering strength, wisdom, loyalty, humor, honesty, and humility. He touched the lives of many and left behind a legacy of love and kindness.

He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Samantha, and grandson, Christopher, in addition to his two brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Sharon L. Pearce; children, Charles W. Pearce, Jr., Karen L. Pearce, Teri L. Petre, Laura J. Pearce, and Lisa M. McCollam; siblings, Hank, Judy, Kaylene and Berta; grandchildren, Robin, Bradley, Darren, Ryan, Rachel, Megan, Jessica, Charles, Shane, Justin, Tiffany, Devin, Taylor, Olivia, and Cody; and 30 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Stayton, OR, followed by burial at Belcrest Memorial Park in Salem, Oregon. Flowers can be sent to Weddle Funeral Service.