Joe Pierce

Gene Joseph "Joe" Pierce, passed away Thursday, April 6th, 2023 at the age of 94. Born September 30th, 1928 in Welch, OK, he was raised during the depression with 9 siblings. He then moved to Miami, OK in 1961. He moved to Stillwater, OK in 1983 where he lived until his death. Joe worked for B.F. Goodrich for 30 years and was also a house construction contractor. He served in the United States Marine Corp for several years. He was also a great fast pitch softball pitcher. His true calling by God came after his son, Jody, was born in 1964. Jody was born with Down Syndrome and was blind. The birth of his child, Jody, transformed Joe from and ordinary good family man into someone along the lines of a saint. Doctors in the early 60's advised him to abandon Jody to an institution where horrible conditions were known to exist. He instead chose to love Jody and take him with his family everywhere and to all events their lives presented. Joe, with inspiration from God, decided to devote and sacrifice most of his adult life to building greater, loving homes with facilities and workplaces for the developmentally disabled to live and lead productive, meaningful, independent lives. He succeeded way beyond his goals. He, along with others, raised millions of dollars in donations, grants, and loans, that helped create the Center of Family Love in Okarche, OK. He also established the Stillwater Group Homes in Stillwater, as well as Group Homes throughout Oklahoma. These places thrive today and have become even greater, all thanks to his inspiration and never-ending hard work for over 55 years. He was a member of the Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Stillwater, OK. He has also been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 60 years. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy Ann and his son, Christopher "Jody" Pierce. He is survived by his brother, Sam Pierce; a sister, Betty Chenoweth; his son, John Samuel Pierce; grandsons, John Samuel Pierce, Jr. and Zachary Bryan Pierce; and six great grandchildren. Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 20th, at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 711 N. Country Club Road in Stillwater. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 21st, also at the church, with Rev. Brian O'Brien. Graveside service and burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Welch Cemetery, Welch, OK. Services entrusted to the Thomas & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Welch.

Joe Pierce

September 30, 1928 - April 6, 2023