John Elden Pierce, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, left this world on December 7th, 2023, to return to his Heavenly Home.
He was born to Henry Oliver and Sarah Josephine Rounds Pierce on July 18th,1932, in Farmington, Utah.
Life wasn’t easy during his early years in Farmington. He lost his mother at the early age of five, a younger sister, and his father at the age of fifteen. After the loss of his parents, his family was sent in many directions to live in foster homes. Cache Valley was the final destination for him and his brother, Dean. After staying with a few families, he was welcomed into the loving home of Warner and Pearl Hoopes and their family of Benson, Utah. Instantly he had a new brother and three sisters.
After graduation from North Cache High, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Korean War. Upon his return, he attended Utah State University, and then worked with a local company sheetrocking homes until he was hired on at Hill Air Force Base and later transferred to Thiokol Corporation. He also served with the Utah National Guard during this time.
He met his eternal companion, Barbara Poppleton Stuart, at a dance at the Elite Hall in Hyrum. They were married on October 27th, 1955, and were later sealed in the Logan LDS Temple. They made their home in Wellsville, Utah and were blessed with three children.
John had many interests. Family was the most important to him. Almost all of his grandchildren have toy boxes he designed and built for them. Clocks and tables also adorn the homes of many of his family members. He took his children fishing on the first day of the season for many years. Rarely did he get the chance to fish himself. He thoroughly enjoyed elk, pheasant, and deer hunting adventures with family and friends. Many family vacations were taken before and after the family had grown. Some of the most memorable times were of camping and 4-wheeling. When his family was younger, travelling meant that songs were sung all the way to the destination and back.
He also served in the Scouting program and was always telling stories about his time spent with the Scouts. He also served the community by being on the Planning and Zoning Variance Board. He was a member of the Wellsville Wildlife Federation for many years and taught hunter’s safety classes.
John (Elden) is survived by his wife, Barbara, his children: Becky (Mark) Turley, Jeff (Margo) Pierce, and Carol (J.D.) Wilde, twelve grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren with one on the way, and one great-great grandchild; one sister, Alene Wood; and one foster sister, Donna Lou Lindberg, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Oliver Rex, Arthur, and Dean; sisters Ellen Ruth, Bertha, Margaret, and Norene: his foster parents a brother Richard and sisters Marlene and Tess.
The family would like to thank all of those who have helped at this time and for all of those who have shared their love and support.
Funeral services, under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary, will begin at 12:00 p.m. at the Wellsville 7th LDS Ward Meeting House, 660 South 100 West, with a viewing held prior at the same place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Interment will take place at the Wellsville City Cemetery with Military Honors.
Services will be livestreamed and can be viewed via the following link (passcode: Pierce):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89815463796?pwd=bFhJREQ1Vy9KWkhjazhSQjlUK29Ddz09
Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.com.