Wayne Pierce

WAYNE W. PIERCE MOUNT MORRIS - Wayne W. Pierce, 92, of Mount Morris died April 25, 2010, in the Serenity House in Oregon. Born Sept. 11, 1917, in Polo, the son of Lemuel and Susie (Cable) Pierce. Graduated from Polo Community High School in 1935. Married Wilma Reynolds on Sept. 1, 1942, in Polo. He served four years and six months in the Army during World War II. He was released from active duty as a Captain, having served in Africa and Europe with the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment and 82nd Airborne Division. Wayne was company commander in the Normandy D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. His decorations include the Silver Star medal, Netherlands Bronze Lion, Bronze Star medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. He stayed in the Army Reserve and retired in 1963 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 1997 he authored a book, "Let's Go!", the story of the men who served in the 325 Glider Infantry Regiment. Worked 35 years at Kable Printing Co., retiring in 1980 as purchasing manager. He served in numerous Mount Morris community activities, including vice-president of the Mount Morris Community District School Board, commander of Post 3639 VFW, president and lieutenant governor of the Mount Morris Kiwanis Club. Active leader in both the Boy Scout Troop 66 and cub master of Pack 333. Member of Disciples United Methodist Church, Moose Lodge 1551, American Legion 143, VFW Post 8738, C-47 Club, 82nd Airborne Division and 325 GIR Association. He was active in church work in Mount Morris, serving as chairman of the board, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and chairman of the trustees, Mount Morris Disciples United Methodist Church. Also served as chairman of the Mount Morris Council of Churches. Survived by wife, Wilma of Mount Morris; daughter, Rosalyn Southard of Crestone, Colo.; son, Terry (Sharon) of Mount Morris; grandchildren, Zachariah and Zara Southard and Brooks Pierce, all of New Mexico; brother, Col. Dwight Pierce of Cape Coral, Fla.; great-granddaughter, Malia Southard-Kante; stepgrandson, Nick (Rudy) Osborne; and stepgreat-granddaughter, Samantha. Predeceased by parents; sisters, Dale and Lacie Pieper and Dovie Cooper; and brother, Lemuel Jr. Memorial service at 11 a.m. Monday, May 3, in Disciples United Methodist Church. Burial of cremation remains in Fairmount Cemetery in Polo. Visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 2, in Finch Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established at Disciples United Methodist Church, Mount Morris Senior Center and Ogle County Hospice Association.