Michael Whalen Pearce

Michael Whalen Pearce, of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away April 27, 2025 at the age of 75. Born in 1950 in Circleville, OH, he was the son of the late John (Jack) and Mary Frances Pearce and brother to John (Jack) Pearce and the late Thomas Pearce.
Michael was married to his beloved wife, Sandra Pearce (Test), June 8, 1974 in Punxsutawney, PA. They started their married life together as Catholic missionaries in Merida Yucatán, Mexico before starting their family. Together they raised four children and have 12 grandchildren: Joshua Pearce (Jennifer) and their children Emily, Jerome, Vincent, and Dominic; Solomon Pearce (Hannah) and their children Fiona, Sebastian, Cassidy, and Garion; Mary Rachel Austin (David) and their children Xavier and Amira; and Elijah Pearce (Ashley) and their children Felicity and Genevieve.
Michael attended Kent State University, transferring to Edinboro University after the Kent State shootings. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in English and Master's Degree in Education and Reading, spending the majority of his professional life as an English teacher, including a summer teaching in Yangzhou, China with his wife, Sandra. Michael had a five year teaching hiatus while serving our country in the US Army, earning his Air Assault badge in the infantry and then going on to serve as a Special Agent and trained hostage negotiator in the Criminal Investigation Division. During this time, he served as the Mayor of Patriot Park, Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa, Hawaii and studied Administration of Justice at the University of Hawaii. Besides teaching, he spent much of his life mentoring future generations as an inspiring coach (basketball, soccer, volleyball, football, cross country, and track), school yearbook editor, play director, and sports referee. He also gave back by serving as President of multiple Parent Teacher Organizations, working on an international peace project at the American University in Washington D.C., and serving on the Board of Trustees for Northwest Arkansas Community College.
Michael was also a gifted artist, creating award-winning works in wood, acrylic, oil, and even the occasional painted rock which he distributed along local trails for the delight of others. He found the most joy being with his family- playing with, cheering on, and coaching his children and grandchildren. He was defined by his deep love and gratitude for his family and his unwavering Catholic faith.
Funeral mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Rogers, AR on 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 2nd, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Ministry, Haiti Ministry, and Doctors Without Borders. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com