James William Pierce

James William Pierce passed from this life, Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at Craig General Hospital. He was a life-long resident of Welch. He was born April 1, 1926 in Welch, Oklahoma to John Samuel and Anna Agnes (Garde) Pierce. A graduate of Welch High School Class of 1944, he entered into the Navy serving two years. On February 9, 1947, he married Ruth Ann Stockwell in Miami. She preceded him in death on December 29, 1987. They made their home in Welch where he was a farmer/rancher and worked at BF Goodrich. He retired from Goodrich after 30 years of service. From this union came five children: James Anthony Pierce and wife, Saundra, of Joplin, MO, David Pierce, Welch, Teresa Compton and husband, Gates, of Seguin, TX, Tim Pierce (deceased) and wife Becky of Miami and Diane Kelley of Grove, OK. Grandchildren: Angela Jenkins, Quentin Pierce, Kimberly Marsh, Jefferson Compton, Paul Pierce, Emily Baggett and Clayton Kelley and 10 great-grandchildren. Following the death of his first wife, he married Mauriene Dee Smith Tullis on May 4, 1991 in Welch, OK. His family then grew to include step-children: Michael Tullis and wife, Donna, and Kenneth and wife, Carman, of Derby, KS, Tina Tullis of Greely, CO, Gary Tullis and wife, Robin of Welch and Barry Tullis and wife, Carolyn, of Oswego, KS. Grandchildren: Christy Thornquest, John Michael, Nathan and Tristan Tullis, Shannon Gregory, Ken Tullis, Chynna Tullis, Quintana Bishop, Shiloh Strand, Odessa Felix, Cody Tullis, Eden and Laken Tullis and 16 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include brothers Joe, Jerry and Sammy Pierce and a sister, Betty Chenoweth. He was preceded in death by one brother, John Pierce and sisters Agnes Stafford, Maxine Fisher, and Marie Carter. He was a life-time member of St. Ann's Catholic Church where he volunteered his time to build the current church building. He was a long-time member of both the International and Oklahoma Brangus Breeders' Association. He and his wife were recognized as the Craig County Farm Family of the year. He was also a member of the American Legion. A Rosary will be said at 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2013 at the Thomas Funeral Home, Welch. A visitation will be held for family and friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., following the Rosary. Mass will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Welch, OK, with Rev. M.E. Cashen. Pallbearers will be Don Paul Chenoweth, William Blundell, Mike Chenoweth, Randy Walker, Justin Miller, and Teddy Ingram. Honorary pallbearers will be George Hood, C.J. Anderson, Ray Knight, and Gene Kluge. Interment at Welch City Cemetery, Welch, OK. Military Rites will be performed by Grove Veteran's Ritual Team. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post No. 40, Vinita, OK, c/o Thomas Funeral Home, Welch, OK 74369.

James William Pierce

April 1, 1926 - April 17, 2013