Richard Algin Pearse, a lifelong resident and familiar face of Eureka, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Greenwood County Hospital at the age of 78.
Born in Eureka on January 11, 1948, Richard was the son of Homer Algin and Dorothy Bernice (Lewis) Pearse. He grew up with the values of the community he loved, attending local schools before entering the workforce with a tireless work ethic. After gaining experience with Beard, English and Martin and IPS/Caldwell, Richard found his professional home at Boeing. There, he served as a dedicated maintenance supervisor, a role he held with pride until his well-earned retirement.
On November 3, 1967, Richard was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joyce Ann Thornton. Together, they built a life and a home in Eureka, raising four children in the community they cherished. Joyce preceded him in death on January 1, 2007, and he carried her memory with him every day since.
In his retirement, Richard was rarely still. He could often be found with grease on his hands working on his beloved classic cars, casting a line while fishing, or enjoying the power and excitement of a local truck pull. Yet, for all his interests, family remained his true North. He was the steady heart of his family, and nothing brought a brighter smile to his face than the time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Richard is survived by his four children: Tracy (Russell) McCoy of Neal; Rick (Stacie) Pearse of Eureka; Marcia Pearse of Eureka; and Michelle Watts of Eureka. His legacy lives on through his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Joyce.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, devotion, and a life well-lived.
Graveside services are set for 2:00 P.M., Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka. Visitation hours are set from 5-7 P.M., Wednesday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Greenwood County Home Health or the Alzheimer’s Association. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, P. O. Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left online for the family at koupfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
121 North Oak Street PO Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

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