Robert Owen Pierce

Robert “Bob” Owen Pierce, 95, of Basehor, Kansas and formerly of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away at 7:50 a.m., Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at home. Bob was born on April 15, 1928, to Owen Ray Pierce and Bessie Iona Pierce (Andrew) in Star Township, Coffey County, Kansas. He grew up in Shawnee, Kansas where he attended Greenwood School. In 1946, his family moved to a farm in Waverly, Kansas. He worked there until moving to Kansas City, Kansas in 1949, where he would reside until July 2022. After arriving in Kansas City, Bob worked on the Fairfax assembly line at General Motors until joining the United States Army in 1951. He attended basic training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana before deploying to Germany as a radio operator in the 28th division, 110th Infantry, 3rd Battalion. He was honorably discharged from active-duty service as a Corporal on February 16, 1953. Bob returned to General Motors until being introduced to the drywall trade, which became a life-long calling. On November 26, 1955, Bob and Dorothy Joan Fehr were united in marriage at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Kansas City, Kansas. They would have three sons Robert Fehr Pierce, Brian David Pierce, and William Richard Pierce Sr. He considered the Fehr family of Chanute as his own and spent much time visiting his in-laws. He also greatly enjoyed the annual Andrew family reunion in Garnett, Kansas. From 1966 to 1976, Bob partnered in the business of G.W. Drywall, Inc. The company was involved in the construction of numerous commercial and residential projects in the Kansas City metro area. He left the industry for a short period and became a partner at the Bob and Glenn’s Massey Ferguson dealership in Butler, Missouri. Bob returned to the drywall trade in 1978, starting R.O. Pierce Drywall. Bob worked until the age of 85. In earlier years, Bob enjoyed quail and pheasant hunting, fishing, and helping his sons with Boy Scouts. He also enjoyed tinkering with and driving his 1929 Ford Model A roadster pick-up truck. Later, he found the most joy in watching his grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events. He always enjoyed getting away from the city to his farm in Melvern, Kansas, where he tended to his cattle. This hobby supplied beef to his family for many years. Bob will be remembered for his generosity, work-ethic, and many stories. He touched countless lives and had an enduring impact on all. While living in Kansas City, Kansas Bob was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dorothy J. Pierce; son Brian D. Pierce; father Owen R. Pierce; mother Bessie I. Miller; sister’s Erma Cook and Mary Pierce; and brother Guy Pierce. Bob is survived by his son’s Robert F. Pierce (Vickie) and William R. Pierce Sr.; grandchildren Robert A. Pierce (Jennifer), Shelby L. Smiley (Jeffrey), William R. Pierce Jr., Daniel R. Pierce, and Lacy J. Pierce; sister Norma Hayden; brother Clifford Pierce (Adele); brother-in-law David A. Fehr (Dee); sisters-in-law Shirley Pierce, and Betty Fehr; 10 great-grandchildren: many dear nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Graveside services and burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 3, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Chanute, Kansas. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to: Phoenix Home Care and Hospice, 6803 W. 64 th St, Suite 101 Overland Park, KS 66202. They can be reached by phone at 913-384-2273.

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Robert Owen Pierce

April 15, 1928 - July 26, 2023