Donald Kerry Pierce

Peacefully “unlocking” his eternal freedom, Donald “Don” Kerry Pierce, 80, passed at home on October 11, 2024 in Wichita, Kansas. He was born, in Wichita, to the late Howard Eugene and Virginia Kathryne (Thoms) Pierce on July 26, 1944 and was brother to Joan and Glenda.

After 3 years of high school, Don went on to receive his GED from Phoenix College while joining and serving in the military. He chose to join the Army and enlisted on 12 May 1965 as a Private E-1, Specialist in the TC, Transportation Corps, where he earned skills as a supply clerk and an aircraft maintenance crewman specializing in helicopters. He always told the story of, “Being stationed in a southern U.S. state during a hurricane. It happened so fast, he had to hold onto a pole and the wind blew him out like a flag.” He was a proud veteran and earned medals for Code of Conduct, The Geneva Convention, a sharpshooter badge with rifle, and more before transferring to the reserves and being honorably discharged on 11 May 1967.

Upon Don’s return, he was hired at Boeing Aircraft, He then went on to be a a locksmith at Scottsdale Schools in Arizona, before returning to work for USD #259, Wichita, Kansas School District, as security turned mechanic who maintained the boilers and heaters for the district.

He not only used his skills there but also at Unity Missionary Baptist Church where he attended. He was once asked to check the heater because it was blowing cold and after he took it apart, he discovered a raccoon was stuck up in the pipes going outside. A little surprise and story continued to be told with a smile.

It was while working security at Kelly School in 1984, that co-worker and night custodian, Donna Jean Slocum, opened the lock on Don’s heart. After spending time getting to know each other and falling in love, they’d marry on November 7, 1987 at the Wedding Chapel in Wichita. On that day, son-in-law, Brent Busch was walking Donna down the isle and she lost her voice. Pastor asked if she was alright, then began the ceremony but stopped abruptly as a child was making noise and said, “Folks, respect this couple and take your child to the reception room where there is C-A-N-D-Y.” After a little laugh, they exchanged “I do’s” and spent the weekend celebrating at a local hotel.

As you can tell Don lived a full life of not only unlocking doors and locks for others, but also in many ways for himself. He carried this tool of locksmithing from Scottsdale Schools, to helping others throughout the years, and especially when he found Donna who cut the right key to his heart.

Don is and was loved by many and he now has the independence of any earthly restraints as he celebrates with those gone before him such as: his parents; son, Duane Pierce; brother-in-laws: Bill R. Conway, Melvin Watkins, Forest and Bernard Slocum.

Together, Don, Donna, their children and families, unlocked the key to a lifetime of happiness and success and leaves a legacy of love. It’s because of this, those left to cherish his memory have many stories to continue telling.

Don is survived by: his wife, Donna Pierce; sisters, Joan Watkins and Glenda Conway; daughters: Kathryne “Cathy” Willis and Susan Miller; son, Rob Miller; 4 adopted children: Daryl “DJ”, Devin, Sierra, and Michael Pierce; granddaughter, Stephanie Busch; grandsons, Robert Jr. “R.J.” and Zander Miller; great-grandchildren: Jaylen Moore, Nevaeh Moore, and Myla Pierce; brother-in-law, Clifford (Carol) Slocum; and sisters-in-law, Carla (Joe) Weeks and Gretchen Trimble.

A Celebration of Don’s life will begin with a visitation on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 2 PM at Resthaven Mortuary and a graveside service will immediately follow at 3 PM in the Garden of Bruce Newton. Both at Resthaven Mortuary and Gardens of Memory, 11800 W. Kellogg, Wichita, KS 67209.