Charles "Charlie" Pierce

Although Charles Charlie Pierce was known for his snappy dress, his occasional fiestiness, and his love for history, it was his deep love for his wife for which he will be remembered most. Sandwiched between the two great wars, Charlie was a patriot who was a wealth of historical information. He took pride of ownership in everything, especially his house, and believed that if something was worth doing it was worth doing right. Although life was not without challenges for Charlie, he embraced every day and lived it to the fullest. With a life that spanned times of fundamental change in the world around him, Charlie leaves behind lessons in hard work, unwavering strength, and perseverance that will be his lasting legacy. If one could turn back the pages in history, life would look very different in America than the life we know today. It was in 1907 that President Theodore Roosevelt addressed Congress about conserving our nations resources and as a result, more than 148 acres were set aside as national forest lands. This was also the decade in which radio broadcasts brought people the news of the day and the Wright Brothers made their first flight at Kitty Hawk. It was during this same year that there was great joy in the family of Fred and Lillian (Koehler) Pierce since it was on October 19th that they welcomed the birth of their son, Charles Manville. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Charles was the second of seven children in his family including his siblings Nellie, Thelma, Irene, Fritz, Ernie, and LeRoy. He was of English and German descent and like so many of the youth of this generation, Charles completed his education after finishing the eighth grade. Charles was a busy and active young boy who shot sparrows and got paid a penny for each one. Life was forever changed when Charlie, as he was often called, met the woman with whom he would share a lifetime love. Her name was Opal Irene Hyrns and from the moment he spotted the striking platinum blonde, he was smitten with her. When she walked into the room, Charlie just knew that she was the woman he would marry. They fell deeply in love and although he was 21, she was only 17 so the couple eloped and became husband and wife in 1928, marking a new chapter in a love story that would span more than 80 years! In order to support his family, Charlie worked in the local foundry, West Michigan Steel. He remained there throughout his career, retiring as a technical director after 57 dedicated years of service. Charlie and Opal were overjoyed when they welcomed their son, Charles Jr., into their hearts and home. Known as Buddy to most, their son was the light of their life. Tragedy struck when Buddy died when he was just 22 after his appendix ruptured. Through the years, Charlie was one who kept busy. He not only built his house, but he also made his own bricks and tile. He was the first house in Muskegon to have two fireplaces and he had the first gas heater in town a claim to fame that was featured in the Muskegon Chronicle back in the day. Charlie loved to fish and hunt both squirrels and rabbits although later in life he liked to leave carrots out for the rabbits. It didnt matter where he went, either, since Charlie always dressed in a suit and tie, even if he was out fishing. He was an avid bowler and horseshoe player who made his own set of horseshoes, and he also enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers and loved to play cards, usually gin rummy. Charlie belonged to the Masons and the Foundrymens Society where he served as the president for a time. He was an avid reader whose regular reading material included the Bible and countless books on history. Charlie was a huge history buff who was full of amazing facts including several about the history of Muskegon. As a longtime resident, Charlie could vividly recall when the causeway was put in place to connect north and south Muskegon. He was proud to say that his great-uncle was none other than President Franklin Pierce who was elected to office in 1852. Charlie monitored the stock market on a daily basis and got all of his news from the Fox News Channel. With his wife by his side, Charlie continued to embrace life as he entered his sunset years. They made a habit of eating out over the past 30 years and frequented his favorite places including Russ, Golden Corral, Red Wok and for special occasions in past years, Win Schulers in Marshall. Since Charlie was frugal by nature, they liked to head out early in order to catch the early bird specials. Getting out became a bit more difficult when the police pulled him over and took his drivers license away when he was 103, although Charlie didnt let it go without putting up a fight. In fact, driving was always a bit more of a challenge for Charlie since he was color blind and could only tell what color the stoplight was depending on which light was lit up the top, middle, or bottom. Although he could be a bit set in his ways, Charles Pierce was a great man to know and love. With a life that spanned over a century, he was hard working and kind to those around him. Charlie was blessed to share a lifetime with his true love in the house he built decades ago. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Charles Charlie Pierce died on January 3, 2011 at home. Charlies family includes his wife; 2 half brothers, Ernie and LeRoy Dennison; and nieces and nephews, Monte Hyrns of Muskegon, Irwin (Carol) Hyrns of Bear Lake, MI, Marcella Coker of Tennessee, Linda (Jim) Smith of Tennessee, Dawn (Louis) Baker of Muskegon, James R Wood of Florida, Darlene (Stan) Lenz of Muskegon, and Scott (Yang Mo) Dennison. Charlie was preceded in death by his son Buddy and his parents other brother and sisters. Visit with Charlies family and friends on Friday, January 7, 2011 from 4-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation 1 hour prior. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Central United Church in home meals delivery program.