Richard Arnold "Rick" Pierson

IN MEMORY OF: Richard Arnold “Rick” Pierson Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Richard Arnold “Rick” Pierson, 78 of Murphysboro, Illinois passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026 with his family at his side. Born on May 29, 1947 in Murphysboro to Bert and Helen Marie (Johnson) Pierson. Rick graduated from Murphysboro Township High School in 1965, attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, enlisted in the United States Navy in 1967, served two tours in Vietnam aboard the USS Estes in 1968 and again in 1969, then served at the Naval Base in Adak, Alaska from 1969-1971. In 1968 Rick married Roberta Lynn (Marshall) Pierson of Murphysboro and aside from the 2 years they spent in Alaska they resided at their present home outside of Murphysboro. They have 2 children, daughter Michelle and Brian Trambley of Vienna, and their children Kirsten, Andrew, and Heather; Son, Rick and Scarlett (Cook) Pierson of Murphysboro, and their children Charlie and Lola. He is also survived by his siblings and their families: Bill & Thelma Pierson, Imogene Morthland, David & Bonnie Pierson, Sue Matz, Mike & Jayne Pierson, and John & Karen Pierson, a sister-in-law Wilma Nelson, and many nieces and nephews and extended family members. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Bert & Helen Pierson, Lynn’s parents; Lester ‘Buck’ and Edith Marshall (and Vernon Sandusky), grandson Kyle Arron Trambley, sister Rose Pierson, 3 brothers in infancy, brothers-in-law Red Morthland, Butch Matz, and Kenny Davis, and sister-in-law Judy Davis. Rick spent most of his career in the automotive sales industry at Vogler Motor Company and retired in 2009. Rick was involved in many community events and organizations including Murphysboro Lions Club, American Legion, and the Murphysboro United Methodist Church. He was a long-time American Red Cross blood donor and was a certified Lay speaker with the United Methodist Church. One of the highlights of Rick’s life was being able to participate in the Southern Illinois Veteran’s Honor Flight in May, 2023 with his daughter, Michelle. Rick enjoyed showing off his Allis Chalmers tractors, Ford trucks, hunting, fishing, walking creek beds, supporting Vietnam Veterans, and attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting, theater, school events and horse shows. Grandpa was the biggest cheerleader of his grandchildren! Most Sunday afternoons were spent grilling for his family dinners at their house where all the kids and grandkids would gather after church. Rick also loved his morning coffee with the “old guys” at Cindy B’s. Visitation will on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 9 am - 12 pm at the Murphysboro United Methodist Church with services at noon. Pastors Michelle Parker-Clark, Andy Cunningham, and Brian Trambley will officiate. Interment will follow at the Fairview Christian Church Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials are suggested to Fairview Christian Church Cemetery or Veteran’s Honor Flight of Southern Illinois, 10400 Terminal Dr. Suite 200, Marion, IL 62959 (Please note “In Memory of Richard A. Pierson”). Envelopes will be available at the church. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Richard Arnold "Rick" Pierson

May 29, 1947 - March 1, 2026