Raymond T. Pierson, 85, formerly of 805 E. Baker St., Plymouth, died peacefully surrounded by his loving wife and family in Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home at 3:40 p.m. on Monday, April 25, 2011.
Raymond was born in South Bend on December 5, 1925 to Louis V. and Victoria Rataczak Pierson.
Ray attended school at St. Adelbert and Central High School in South Bend before joining the Navy. He enlisted in the Navy on January 3, 1943; he served in the Pacific Theater on the USS Mascorna and the USS Vela Gulf and was honorably discharged on April 4, 1946.
He served the City of South Bend with great pride and dedication as a police officer and detective from October 1947 to October 1967.
Ray was employed for 11 years by the Indiana Association of Credit Managers; he then became a courier for the Sisters of St. Francis in South Bend before retiring in 1992.
On September 3, 1983, Raymond and Pauline A. Drake were married.
In April of 1996, Ray and his wife, Pauline, moved to Plymouth, where they became very active with St. Michaels serving as Eucharistic Ministers and also St. Joseph Regional Medical Center as volunteers.
Ray was a member of St. Michael’s Knights of Columbus Council 1975 and the South Bend Cursillo Community.
Ray has made his home at Pilgrim Manor Nursing Facility for the past four years. We would like to thank the facility for their excellent care and support.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 27 years Pauline Pierson, Plymouth, and from his union with Barbara Castleman, a daughter Mary E. LeBold Alvarez, Memphis, Tenn., and a son Patrick L, Pierson of New Bern, N. C. Ray is survived by a brother, Don Pierson, South Bend along with four stepdaughters: Char (Dave) Geisler, Knox, Ind., Carole Drake, Plymouth, Ind and Barbara (Randy) Pipher, of Towanda, Penn. and Jeanne (Todd) Dittrich, Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Two stepsons survive as well: Thomas (Sandi) Drake, Springfield, Mo. and Paul (Theresa) Drake, Rochester, Ind.
There are 24 grandchildren and 16 great- grandchildren surviving, also surviving are several nieces and nephews and a good friend, David Winenger.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Loretta Colly and grandson, Paul Drake, Jr.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. The F.O. P. Lodge Ritual will be held at 7:00 p.m., with the praying of the Rosary following the Lodge services.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Raymond will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2011, at 11 a.m. in St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, 610 N. Center St., Plymouth. The Rev. Father William Kummer will officiate.
Military rites will be accorded to Raymond by the Plymouth American Legion, VFW, and DAV.
Memorial gifts in Raymond’s memory may be given to the St. Michael Catholic Church School Fund 612 North Walnut Street Plymouth, Indiana or Center for Hospice Care 112 South Center Street Plymouth, Indiana
Mr. & Mrs. Patrik Pierson says
While there are no words to help ease the loss that you bear, know that you are close in every thought and prayer.
The Pierson\’s
Karen, Patrik, Krisotfer & Ingrid
David & Joyce (Ray) McKenzie says
We will always remember the kindness and comfort you brought to my mother as she lay dying iat Memorial Hosital. Family bonds are forged and strengthened by such acts. Thank you, Pauline, for making Ray\’s later life full and meaningful. I will always have fond memories of my cousin Ray, and we will mourn his death as our family gets smaller and smaller. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rosemary Torok says
Pauline, I was so surprised to see that Ray had died. Somehow over the years we lost touch with each other. I still remember meeting you and Ray at St. Matthew\’s Cathedral. And, the day you came for dinner at my new home. I will keep you and Ray in my prayers. I hope you find peace and comfort in God, your family, and friends.
With sympathy,
Rosemary Torok
Wilma Jones says
Pauline, You have my deepest sympathy. Enjoy all your memories and may God be with you.
Love, Wilma
Sandra Zgonina says
Dearest Pauline: after being with you and your family last night, I left comforted by the fact that Uncle Ray enjoyed a wonderful life with you. I knew he was so lonely when he met you and could not have been happier when I finally got to me his \”ladyfriend\” who became his wife and partner. You and Uncle Ray have been a wonderful inspiration to all of the Moore Family and we treasure the fact that you are part of our family.
We are blessed to have had both of you in our lives. I will continue keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sandra & Joe and Family along with all of the Moore Family: Tim, Joe, Carolyn, Dan & Pat.
Kelley Spicer says
I Had The Pleasure Of Helping Take Care Of Ray At Pilgrim Manor For The Past Year. Over The Year I Also Got To Know Pauline and Both Are Great People and Ray Will Be Greatly Missed. My Heart Goes Out To Your Family.
David L. Flowers says
My concolences to the Pierson family. I became acquainted with Ray while we were both active with the Michiana Credit Management Association. Ray was a fine gentleman, and I was honored to know him. He was a friend to everyone. Sorry for your loss.
tricia harless-barber says
My heartfelt sympathy to you Pauline & family during this time of sorrow. I know it\’s been quite some time since we\’ve spoken but i want you to know that you have often times been in my thoughts.
ALWAYS Savor the Moments, trish
Mr. & Mrs. Patrik Pierson says
While there are no words to help ease the loss that you bear, know that you are close in every thought and prayer.
The Pierson\’s
Karen, Patrik, Krisotfer & Ingrid
David & Joyce (Ray) McKenzie says
We will always remember the kindness and comfort you brought to my mother as she lay dying iat Memorial Hosital. Family bonds are forged and strengthened by such acts. Thank you, Pauline, for making Ray\’s later life full and meaningful. I will always have fond memories of my cousin Ray, and we will mourn his death as our family gets smaller and smaller. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rosemary Torok says
Pauline, I was so surprised to see that Ray had died. Somehow over the years we lost touch with each other. I still remember meeting you and Ray at St. Matthew\’s Cathedral. And, the day you came for dinner at my new home. I will keep you and Ray in my prayers. I hope you find peace and comfort in God, your family, and friends.
With sympathy,
Rosemary Torok
Wilma Jones says
Pauline, You have my deepest sympathy. Enjoy all your memories and may God be with you.
Love, Wilma
Sandra Zgonina says
Dearest Pauline: after being with you and your family last night, I left comforted by the fact that Uncle Ray enjoyed a wonderful life with you. I knew he was so lonely when he met you and could not have been happier when I finally got to me his \”ladyfriend\” who became his wife and partner. You and Uncle Ray have been a wonderful inspiration to all of the Moore Family and we treasure the fact that you are part of our family.
We are blessed to have had both of you in our lives. I will continue keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sandra & Joe and Family along with all of the Moore Family: Tim, Joe, Carolyn, Dan & Pat.
Kelley Spicer says
I Had The Pleasure Of Helping Take Care Of Ray At Pilgrim Manor For The Past Year. Over The Year I Also Got To Know Pauline and Both Are Great People and Ray Will Be Greatly Missed. My Heart Goes Out To Your Family.
David L. Flowers says
My concolences to the Pierson family. I became acquainted with Ray while we were both active with the Michiana Credit Management Association. Ray was a fine gentleman, and I was honored to know him. He was a friend to everyone. Sorry for your loss.
tricia harless-barber says
My heartfelt sympathy to you Pauline & family during this time of sorrow. I know it\’s been quite some time since we\’ve spoken but i want you to know that you have often times been in my thoughts.
ALWAYS Savor the Moments, trish