Obituary for Melvin Francis Pierce Jr.

Melvin Francis Pierce Jr. of Altoona, passed away on September 24 after a battle with dementia.

Melvin was born April 26, 1938, to Melvin and Alice Pierce in Colfax, Iowa. After attending Colfax Schools, Melvin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August, 1956, where he proudly served for 2 years - mostly in Okinawa and Japan. 

He met and married Karen Good, two sons were produced by their marriage, Todd and Timothy.

After his service in the Marine Corps, he worked for Delavans as a shipping clerk, where he worked for over 20 years. Following the dissolution of the Union, Mel went to work for the Mingo School system, later the Colfax - Mingo School system. After he retired Mel spent his leisure time traveling and restoring old cars and tractors. He especially enjoyed the four trips to Bolivia, where he helped with Eida Dunn's Children Home. The children loved Melvin and he loved them. Melvin loved spending time with his grand daughter Sophia White-Pierce, having squirt gun fights, and enjoying her dance and sporting events.

Melvin was predeceased by his parents, Melvin and Alice Pierce, brothers Donald, Kenneth, Dwight, and Marvin, and special family friend Margaret Cooper.

Melvin is survived by his loving wife, Karen, Todd and Kay Pierce, Timothy Pierce, his grand daughter Sophia White-Pierce, special friend Bob Cooper, many cousins and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday October 5, at 10:00 am, followed by a light luncheon at the Mingo Community Center. The Ashton Cemetery address is 8887 W 122nd St. N, Mingo, Iowa; the Community Center address is 200 East Railroad St., Mingo, Iowa. Dress is very casual.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Alzheimer's Association www.act.alz.org or to St. Jude Children Hospital.