Max Pearce

Max Pearce, 92, of Erie, IL, died Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Haines City Advent Hospital in Haines City, FL. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 3-4 pm with Open House from 4-7 pm at Harvest Bakery in Erie. Pastor Rod Dye will give an opening welcome and prayer, followed by a Masonic Ceremony and Military Honors. Memorials may be made to the Erie Library Fund, Disabled Vets, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Max was born on July 10, 1932 in Norris City in southern IL, to Rushian and Eveah (Austin) Pearce. He moved to Erie, IL in 1942 after the divorce of his parents. He attended grade school in Erie, and graduated from Erie High School in 1950. After graduating high school, Max joined the United States Navy, and was a member of the reserves during the Korean War. Max married Ella Jane Scott on November 15, 1953 at the Erie United Methodist Church. She preceded him in death in 2008. Max was a hard worker. He worked at a hog buying station for 2 years after high school, and later went on to work for Erie Grain and Lumber for 5 years. In 1955 Max started working for Standard Oil as a delivery driver. On August 25, 1963 Max bought the company at the young age of 26. Max maintained over 490 home and farm accounts at Standard. After retirement, Max kept busy working at Warkins Farm with John Deere equipment. Max is survived by his brother, Charles and Gale (Luz) Donmoyer of Kissimmee, FL; nieces, Heather Pope, Amanda Fogle-Donmoyer and Sam Fogle; nephew, Dennis Pope; special friend and caregiver, Rose Kelly; a dear cousin, Rita Brown, of Southern IL; along with many cousins and special friends from the area. Max enjoyed each and every one of his friends and the time he was able to spend with them. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years; his parents; two sisters, Doris Pearce and Zelma Jean Donmoyer; and a nephew, Danny Pope.