Fred J. Pearson

Fred J. Pearson, age 93, died on October 1, 2012, in Houston, Texas. He was dearly beloved by many and will be sorely missed. Fred was born September 26, 1919 on a ranch in Nebraska (Section 15, Township 29, Range 33, Cherry County), son of Otto W. Pearson and Rosa Anderson Pearson. His happy 67-year marriage to Mary Josephine Manuel began on October 10, 1945, in Galveston, Texas. Fred was a loving husband and father, a man of quiet generosity, good humor, gentle authority, and wise judgment. He taught his children integrity, love of family and honesty with his constant, unassuming example. Surviving are his wife, Mary, their three children: Elizabeth Ann Cain (and husband, Jim), Frederick John Pearson Jr. (and wife, Kathey Ferland), JoAnn Christine Doyle (and husband, Andy), grandchildren: Caisa Elizabeth Doyle, Zoë Astrid Doyle, and Michelle Eileen Walter, and great-granddaughter Jennifer Walter. Preceding him in death were three sisters, Wilma, Bernice, and Eleanor, and two brothers, Otto W. Jr., and Nels.

Fred’s family moved to Mullen, Nebraska when he was about six. After high school graduation, he taught at rural schools in Hooker and Cherry Counties until he was drafted into the Army in 1941. He spent four years in the Army, including 10 months in Europe. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Croix de Guerre.

After graduation from the University of Texas at Austin in 1948, Fred first worked as a CPA for Wilcox, Pattillo & Co. in Waco. In 1966, he joined with Bruce Harper in Houston to form the CPA firm of Harper & Pearson Co., from which he retired in 1998.

Fred and Mary have been active in three Episcopal churches: at St. Albans in Waco, then in Houston at St. Thomas and finally St. Georges and St. Patrick's. Fred was treasurer for 25 years at St. George's and St. Patrick’s (now Grace Episcopal).

His love of family led him to tirelessly research his family history and organize reunions, which connected relatives spanning the United States and Sweden. He wrote two genealogy books: 100 years of Pearsons (1976) and Anderson, Levin, Björn (1995) which may be found in genealogical libraries throughout the United States and Sweden.

Visitation will be held at Earthman’s Bellaire Funeral Home, 6700 Ferris Street, Bellaire, Texas 77401 on Wednesday, October 3rd, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The Funeral Service will at 11:00am on Thursday, October 4th, at Grace Episcopal Church, 4040 W. Bellfort, Houston, TX 77025, with a reception following the service at Grace Episcopal. There will be a private graveside service later that day.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the memorial fund of Grace Episcopal Church, 4040 W. Bellfort, Houston, TX 77025 or to the charity of your choice.