Robert M. Pierce

1923 - 2015

ROBERT M. PIERCE CROWN POINT, IN Robert M. Pierce, age 91, of Crown Point, IN, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2015, at St. Anthony's Hospice. He was born November 2, 1923, in Evanston, IL, He graduated from Crown Point, High School (Class of 1942), and Indiana University (Class of 1949), where he was a member of SAE fraternity. He later received a degree from the Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. Mr. Pierce achieved the rank of Captain and was a B-24 combat pilot in the U.S. Army Eighth Air Force, Second Air Division, 467th Bombardment Group Heavy, 790th Squadron, during WWII. He flew thirty-five missions over enemy occupied Europe including two on D-Day. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three clusters. He later flew C-54 transport planes across the North Atlantic route returning the wounded from Europe. He also flew with the Air Transport Command in the Pacific Theater where he took part in the Tokyo Occupation. At the time of his retirement in 1986, Robert was President of The Commercial Bank of Crown Point. He had served as President of the Merrillville Chamber of Commerce, Crown Point Kiwanis, and the Crown Point United Way. He served on the City of Crown Point Planning Commission, the Crown Point Community School Board, and the Emergency Building Corporation. He was a member of the American Legion Post 20. He served with the Saint Anthony's hospital auxiliary. An avid golfer, he was a sixty year member of Youche Country Club. Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Donna Jeanne (Muzzall); two sons: Jeffery (Jayne) of Bloomington, IN, David of Crown Point; one daughter, Jill Pierce of Crown Point; sister-in-law, Caroline Pierce of Merrillville, IN, and nieces and nephews. He loved being a Grandpa to Rachel, Megan and Ashley Pierce of Bloomington, IN. He was preceded in death by parents Melvin and Emma (Horst) and brother, Warren. Arrangements are through Geisen Funeral Home. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Parkinson Foundation at www.parkinson.org