Donald Ray Pierce

Donald R. Pierce, 81, passed away on March 9, 2023, in Overland Park, Kansas, from complications of Alzheimers. Don was born with twin brother Ron, to Robert T. (coach Bob) and Frances E. Pierce in El Paso, Texas, on December 10, 1941. Don is survived by his wife Susan Wamel Pierce, whom he married in 1969, son Martin Pierce, and daughter Meleah and her husband Jacob Burlin, and grandchildren Pierce, Brett, and Alyse Burlin, all of Stilwell, Kansas. Don is also survived by his brothers Richard A. (Mary) of Los Alamos, NM, and twin Ronald L. (Kathleen) of Troy, Montana, and sister Karen J. Ogas (Billy) of Silver City, NM, brothers-in-law Skip Wamel of Animas, NM, and Steven (Teresa) Wamel of Farmington, NM. Don grew up in Silver City, NM, where he delivered papers as a young man and where his dad taught him how to be a mechanic for his motorscooter. His dad taught him to maintain and repair cars, woodworking, and the love for hunting and fishing. He graduated from Western High School in 1959, and in 1960, he, along with his twin brother, enlisted in the US Army and he was stationed in Ethiopia, Africa working for the Army’s Security Agency (ASA). Don attended University of New Mexico and received his degree in mechanical engineering. His career took him to Farmington, NM where he made his longtime home while working for Public Service Company of NM. He retired in 2003. In 2019, Don and Susan moved to Stilwell, KS, to be closer to their children. Don loved hunting elk, deer, ibex, and oryx from New Mexico to Montana. He loved taking his boat to Lake Powell for fishing and for summer water fun. His brother Ron introduced him to rafting the rivers of Montana and Idaho for which he bought his own raft and made many trips with his family and friends for the sport. He also traveled to Europe and went on several cruises. Don was very handy and could repair or build most anything, including finishing his basement and helping his daughter and son-in-law to renovate their home. He and Susan made countless trips to family out of town to help out in caring for his mother and grandchildren. Don was dearly loved and will be missed. Cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held on April 27, at 2:30, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM. Mcgilley State Line Chapel, in Kansas City, MO, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s association at https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.alz.org__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!NLHP2VaqnM-wkOuQkmj_a9Lrjf2NoDOHWZh6JeEferHHVURAn5dGNEOu-SAXTin7PrzwFouOyR5py_jbs5ndif4fK9P4ueRu-NhJzIo$ [alz[.]org].