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Ervin Pierce

April 18, 1934 - December 25, 2016
Hopkins, MI

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Visitation

Thursday, December 29, 2016
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Plainwell Location
120 South Woodhams Street
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5881
Driving Directions

Service

Friday, December 30, 2016
11:00 AM EST
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Plainwell Location
120 South Woodhams Street
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5881
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Friendship Bible Church
104 Baker Street
Hopkins, MI 49328
(269) 793-7929
Web Site

Thornapple Manor
2700 Nashville Road
Hastings, MI 49058
(269) 945-2407
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Plainwell Flowers
117 S. Main
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-8055
Driving Directions
Web Site

River Rose
(269) 692-3951

Life Story / Obituary


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All who knew Ervin Pierce would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. His unwavering faith was a cornerstone in his life, and although he loved sharing the reason for the joy in his heart he was never overbearing or boisterous in his beliefs. Ervin was a loving and devoted husband and father, but there was nothing quite like becoming a grandfather and great-grandfather in his book. He was down to earth and outgoing with a warm and genuine demeanor that drew others near with ease. Life will never be the same without Ervin here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

The 1930s were some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were hard to find and the unemployment rate soared, which left cities, communities, and families to come together to do whatever they could to weather the storm. Despite the trials around them, Earl and Ethel (Andrews) Pierce were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their own lives as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of April was unfolding in the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1934. The big day finally arrived on April 18th when the baby boy they named Ervin drew his first breath. He was the youngest of four children in his family as he was joined in the Pierce clan by his siblings, Frances, Fern, and Edward. Both Frances and Fern were quite a bit older than Ervin, which meant that he got plenty of attention.

In many ways Ervin was a young boy of his generation. In their small town everyone knew everyone. Ervin idolized his brother, Ed, and they could often be found working on cars and motorcycles together. Ervin and his nephew hunted rattlesnakes together and saved their rattles. One time, Ervin’s dog got bitten by a rattlesnake and almost died. Ervin loved playing basketball and football, and in high school, he was the starting quarterback. With a love for cars, he was one of only three who owned their own car as a student at Martin High School. Ervin graduated from Martin High School and earned his tool & die journeyman's card.

New and exciting changes were in store for Ervin when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Velma, and they became high school sweethearts. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Ervin and Velma were married in 1952. Together they welcomed three children including Scott, Douglas, and Randall into their hearts and home. Ervin was an incredibly loving and devoted father who was a Godly yet humble example to his children. He saw to it that their family went to church every Sunday, and when at home Ervin could often be found reading the Bible. Pets were always an important part of the Pierce family. When the children were growing up they had a smart and loving German shepherd named Stormy. During their retirement years he and his wife had Scamp and Rascal, and they were just like one of the kids. To support his family, Ervin worked in tool and die at GM, for 27 years. He was very skilled in his job, and he truly enjoyed it as well.

Everyone who knew Ervin would agree that he was truly extraordinary. He was very active in his church, and his faith was part of everything he did. When grandchildren arrived Ervin spent as much time with them as he could, and he was an amazing mentor and teacher to them as he had been with his own children. Ervin enjoyed tinkering out in his garage whether he was working on cars, lawnmowers, or some other sort of project. He always tried to see the good in everyone, and although he wasn’t one to swear he did like to say, “What in Sam’s hill is going on?” He was humble and down to earth with a very laid back and genuine personality. When someone was working on something and it didn’t turn out right, Ervin would often say, “Are you sure you are doing it right?” Although he accomplished so many great things, he was a humble man whose greatest source of pride and joy was found in his family. By the way he lived his life, Ervin inspired everyone who met him.

Described as kind, easy going, and gracious, there was no one who met Ervin Pierce and left unchanged. His strength and courage was inspiring, and his faith was easy to see. His favorite verse was Proverbs 3:5-6. Ervin was the sort of person who could see the good in everyone, and he took everything that came his way in stride. There was no greater gift in his life than his family, and Ervin savored every moment they shared together. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Ervin Pierce, of Hopkins passed away on December 25, 2016, at Thornapple Manor. Ervin’s family includes his wife of 64 years, Velma; children: Scott (Lynn Ann) Pierce, Douglas (Jean) Pierce and Randall (Robin) Peirce; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Ervin was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Francis, Fern and Edward. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Thursday, December 29 from 4:00-7:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 30 at 11:00 at the same location. Please visit Ervin’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to the Friendship Bible Church in Hopkins or Thornapple Manor in Hastings.

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