Donald Lee Pierce

Donald Lee Pierce, age 74, of Ithaca, passed away at the Woodland Hospice Center on February 5, 2013, after a courageous battle with MDS-bone marrow cancer.

Don was born in Oakland County to Claude and Jessie (Cherry) Pierce on March 28, 1938.  He graduated from Remus High School in 1957.

Don was united in marriage to Sharon Kay Hutchinson on July 6, 1963, at the Forest Hill Church of Christ.  Don and Sharon lived in Ithaca most of their married years.  They traveled to Arizona winters and spent summers at Cedar Shores in Harrison for the past twelve years.

Don retired from General Motors in 1995, after thirty years of service.  His favorite pastimes included spending time with his grandsons, 4-wheeling, fishing, hunting, golfing, and traveling.

Survivors include his wife of 49 1/2 years, Sharon; his daughter, Paula Ledezma of Lake Havasu, Arizona; his son, Russell (Julie) Pierce of Ithaca; the two joys of his life, grandsons Jacob Donald Pierce and Owen Wayne Pierce; and his brother, Claude (Marian) Pierce, Jr., of Blanchard.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Estelle, Claudine, and Juanita; and his brother-in-law, Ben Schlachter.

A memorial celebrating his life will be held in the spring.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Forest Hill Church of Christ, 10015 N. Luce Rd., Alma, MI 48801, the Gratiot Commission on Aging, or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank everyone for the love shown to us during these past months.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.