Jesse Dean Pierce

Jesse Dean Pierce, 69, of Salem, Arkansas, passed peacefully from this life on Monday, April 14, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Jesse was born February 26, 1956, in Thayer, Missouri, to Madison Ethel and Mary Jane (Cerutti) Pierce.

Jesse was united in marriage to Fonda Denise Smith on March 6, 1988, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. Jesse spent many years working construction and the last several years as owner operator of Pierce Construction. Jesse's passion was hard work and seeing what he could accomplish. Whether it was construction, farming, modifying old trucks, or rebuilding farm equipment, he always made sure the job was done right. He was respected by many and known for his loyalty and big heart. Jesse was proud of the name he made for himself through Pierce Construction. He spent many endless days and nights working to provide for his family. His wife (or as Jesse affectionately called her, his "Hun"), Denise, and his kids were his top priority. He was a wonderful husband, dad, Papa, brother, and friend. He loved and appreciated the outdoors: hunting, fishing, gardening, and working his farm. He tried to make everything he touched better. Pierce made it a point to be the best at everything he did, including raising Hell.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Denise Pierce of Salem, Arkansas; two daughters, Amber Reynolds of Salem, Arkansas and Tiffany Pershica and husband Eric of Durant, Oklahoma; three sons, Ben Leisenring and wife Natasha of Salem, Arkansas, Jerad Stokes and wife Tara of West Plains, Missouri, and Ethan Pierce and wife Britteny of Salem, Arkansas; thirteen grandchildren, Trevor Leisenring, Katie Jess Fish, Macey Cooper, Caleb Leisenring, Mason Cooper, Liam Sharp, Lane Reynolds, Max Sharp, Cora Stokes, Rowan Stokes, River Stokes, Cole Pierce, and Kase Pierce; two brothers, Jimmy Pierce and wife Diane of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Chester Pierce and wife Ellen of Fayetteville, Arkansas; sister, Barbara Humphries and husband Larry of Salem, Arkansas; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents (Madison and Mary Pierce), two brothers (Rocky Pierce and Steve Pierce), two sisters (Betty Albright and Rose Pierce), brother-in-law (Marvin Albright), and two nephews (Aitken Gallup and Matthew Pierce).

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. John Hodges officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas. Interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Ethan Pierce, Tony Pierce, Jerad Stokes, Josh Pierce, Ben Leisenring, and D.J. Pierce. Honorary pallbearers are Ted Ray Carter, Pete Mitchell, Zane Smith, Dr. Jim Bozeman, Danny Tyson, Denny Walsh, Kenny Crawford, Bradley Armstrong, Ted York, Terry Gaines, Doug Johnson, Andy Martin, Jr. Tyson, Wayne Bishop, James Watkins, Josh Park, David Cochran, Terry York, C.O. "Tuffy" Smith, The Hall Boys, Joe York, Larry Humphries and anyone else that ever set and had a drink or a good laugh with him. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.