Thomas (Tom) H. Pearce

Thomas (Tom) H. Pearce is now at peace with the Lord. Tom was born July 14, 1926, to Thomas B. and Alpha Pearce, in Covington, Kentucky. He died June 11, 2017 in LaFontaine, Indiana. He was 90 years old.

During World War II, Tom was a member of the 511th Signal Company, Airborne Division and qualified as a parachutist and rifleman. He also received a Certificate of Proficiency in Automated Telephone Systems Skilled Maintenance. After an honorable discharge, Tom returned to Kentucky and graduated from Hazel Green High School, class of 1948.

Tom retired from the Fisher Body Plant in Marion, Indiana after 34 years.

Tom married Dorothy A. Schawe in Kentucky, on July 16, 1949. Dorothy died July 4, 1995. Together they had six children, of whom one is deceased, JoAnn Sewell.

Surviving children are Barbara Ball and her husband Ernie, John Pearce and his wife, Vickie, Colleen Tracy and her husband Kerry, Teresa Tracy and her husband Danny and Randy Pearce and his wife Jerri. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Tom married Velma Petro, April 8, 2002. She survives. With this marriage, Tom became a step-father to Joe Petro and his wife Cheryl, John Petro and his wife Sharon and Pam Whitener and her husband Jerry. Velma also has 7 grandchildren and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Tom was a loving father and grandfather and set an example of profound integrity, honesty, and love of his country during his entire lifetime.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2017 at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, with Pastor David Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in the LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery in LaFontaine, Indiana.

Visitation for family and friend will be from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are directed to Wabash County Cancer Society, P.O. Box 144, North Manchester, Indiana 46962. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com