John Forrest Tierce

With profound love and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of John Forrest Tierce, who departed this life peacefully on September 12, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born in Los Angeles, California, John’s life began with both promise and hardship. At the age of three, he lost his father, Sgt. Forrest L. Yancey, U.S. Army who was killed in action in the Philippines during World War II. At three, his adopted father Bill Tierce entered his life, helping raise him alongside his Armenian mother, Louise Abadjian (Yancey) Tierce, whose strength and heritage as a survivor of genocide shaped his values and character. His childhood took him from California to Oregon, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and eventually Texas, where he began shaping a life defined by leadership, service, and scientific achievement.

In Arlington High School, John was a natural leader and high achiever: Student Body President, center on the Colts football team, a decorated member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), and a proud Eagle Scout of Boy Scouts of America. These early roles reflected his lifelong commitment to excellence and community.

He began college at Tarleton State College, where he played football, and then transferred to Oklahoma State University (OSU), where he joined Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. During this time, he also served in the U.S. Army Reserve, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant and serving as a Field Artillery Unit Commander in Ft. Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma—a reflection of his deep commitment to protecting and providing for others.

After his service, John and his first wife, Linda, moved to Iowa to pursue his doctorate studies at Iowa State University, where he earned a Ph.D. in poultry genetics while contributing to faculty research. Their son, Forrest, was born during this time.

The family later moved to Maryland to work for Perdue Farms, where their daughter, Heather, was born. Eventually, John’s career led them to Nacogdoches, Texas, where he worked for Indian River and met his second wife, Elizabeth. His professional journey included influential roles at Peterson Farms and the founding of his own company, Avian Performance Standards, where he applied his expertise to advance poultry genetics and performance improvement. His work took him and his family to Arkansas, Iowa, and eventually back to Texas.

John was an adventurer at heart. He took his children on days-long canoe trips, taught them to snow ski, water ski, cycle, and run, and built things with his hands, whether it was a project in the garage or a memory in the wilderness. He found spirituality in nature and taught those around him to seek peace and meaning in the natural world.

Despite facing numerous health challenges in his later years, John remained resilient and positive, never allowing adversity to define him. He was a man of quiet strength, always focused on what he could give rather than what he had lost. He lived his life as a protector and provider, offering safety, wisdom, and unconditional love to those around him.

John and Elizabeth shared 43 beautiful years together, marked by deep love, mutual respect, and unwavering support. He cherished their blended family, including his beloved stepchildren-–Kristen, Cathey, Corby, and Carey-–whom he embraced with the same devotion and pride as his own.

He was a proud, big brother to Julie, Anita, and Valleta, who affectionately called him “Bonzi”, a nickname that reflected his spirited nature and the deep bond they shared.

A devoted husband, father, stepfather, brother, neighbor, and friend, John will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but for the wisdom, warmth, and strength he shared with all who knew him. His boyish, lasting smile will be missed by all.

John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Elizabeth Tierce; son Forrest Tierce and wife Alexandra Tierce; daughter Heather (Tierce) Salaz, husband Ernest Salaz, and grandchildren Roman Salaz and Stella Salaz; step-daughter Kristen Morgan, husband Ed Morgan, and grandsons Ian, Sam, and Jed; step-daughter Cathey Black and husband David Black, and grandsons Gideon and Nick; step-son Corby Young, wife Carolyn Young, and grandchildren Jessica Olson and David Young; step-daughter Carey Garrett, husband Jim, and grandson Michael; sister Julie Wallace and husband Rick Wallace; sister Anita Murdock and husband Terry Murdock; sister Valleta Lanier; and his many nephews, nieces, and great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride.

Memorial Service

A Celebration of John’s life will be held on Thursday October 9, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Japanese Garden Pavilion in the Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.