PIERCE, JOHN W.

Sgt. Maj. John W. Pierce, 82, a longtime resident of Pensacola, FL, passed away June 14, 2007. John was born in Kansas City, MO on July 21, 1924. He moved to Pensacola in 1962, and later retired from the United States Marine Corps as Sgt. Maj. after serving for 24 years. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. He later retired from Monsanto. John was a member of the Masonic Lodge 625 in Missouri, Hadji Temple, Scottish Rite, Fleet Reserves, AMVETS, and American Legion Post 240. He also enjoyed playing golf.

John was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.

He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Norma; their children, John (Teresa) William Pierce, Jr. of Pensacola, FL, and Carol (Don) Griffiths of Gulf Breeze, FL; two sisters, Norma Tashkoff and Shirley Yarkasky; four grandchildren, David (Shannon) Pierce, Brandon Pierce, and Hayley and Michael Artiola; and two great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Tyler Pierce.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 17, 2007 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Funeral service will be Monday, June 18, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. Burial to follow with Marine Corps military honors at Barrancas National Cemetery.