Eric Neil Pierson

Eric Neil Pierson, beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend to many, left us too soon on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, aged 55 years old. He was born August 30, 1969, to Larry and Diana Pierson in Palestine, Illinois, where he had a traditional small-town upbringing, playing in the streets with friends, being active in Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout, playing basketball, excelling in academics, and finding the love of his life. He was a proud Illini, graduating from the University of Illinois in 1991 with a BS in Chemical Engineering.

His ambition launched him into a career of 33 years in upstream and midstream oil and gas when he was hired on by ARCO in Anchorage, Alaska in 1992. He was fond of saying he didn’t change companies, but the companies changed him as he remained loyal to his work through multiple mergers and acquisitions over the years, remaining a ConocoPhillips employee until his death. His career afforded opportunities to live not only in Anchorage, but also Houston Texas, London UK, and Perth Australia.

In 1993, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara (Bobbi) Buser, and they had 32 years of happy adventures moving and traveling the world together. Bobbi survives, as does his son Nicholas and fiancée Maddie Edgerly of Daytona, Florida, and daughter Delaney of Rochester, New York. Also surviving are his father, Larry of Palestine; brother Chris (Heather) of Seabrook, Texas; as well as his aunts, uncle, in-laws, and adoring nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Diana.

For those lucky enough to know him personally, Eric will be remembered for his quick wit, teasing, and sparkling blue eyes. He was generous and loved hosting guests and sharing all he had. At work, he enjoyed mentoring multi-disciplinary teams, was dedicated to creative problem-solving, and was passionate about identifying what he believed was best for the company. He seldom asked for anything and clearly enjoyed making those around him happy. Our world is truly a bit dimmer without him here.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 23rd, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24th, at the funeral home, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the service will be available at https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, CaringBridge, The Children’s Lunchbox at Beans Café, or any other charity of your choice. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.