Clifton F Pierce

Clifton Fenning “Fenn” Pierce passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio, surrounded by his family. After a life defined by quiet strength, purpose, and a deep love for the people and places that shaped him, he left this world the same way he lived in it—gently and with grace. He was 78 years old.

Born and raised in Coshocton, Ohio, Fenn’s roots ran deep in the community he cherished. He grew up among familiar faces, never knowing a stranger—a trait that later defined the way he welcomed, understood, and served others. After graduating from Coshocton High School in 1965, he continued his education with focus and curiosity, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1969. He then married his wife, Carol Hess, and together they relocated to Nashville, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1973.

After spending his early years practicing law in Columbus, he returned home to Coshocton, carrying both a sharpened mind and an unwavering dedication to public service.

In 1981, Fenn accepted a calling that would shape much of his life’s work: serving as Judge of the Probate and Juvenile Court of Coshocton County. Over more than 28 years on the bench—spanning over four elected terms from 1981 to 2009—he became known for his steady presence, thoughtful listening, and the kind of fairness that made people feel seen. He carried great responsibility, often traveling across the state at the request of the Ohio Supreme Court to serve as a visiting judge. Whether in a courtroom, on a board, or across a table in conversation, Fenn guided others with a calm hand and a generous heart.

His commitment to community extended far beyond his judicial robe. He was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he offered his time and compassion through church leadership and by serving as a Stephen Minister. He also dedicated time and leadership to organizations that mattered deeply to him, including the Roscoe Village Foundation, Echoing Hills Village, Ohio Wesleyan University, the Red Cross, the Echoing Hills Foundation, and the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission. His contributions earned recognition through honors such as the Superior Judicial Services Award from the Supreme Court of Ohio, the Governor’s Award for the Model Court and Judicial Enforcement Program, the Coshocton Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, and the 2013 Coshoctonian Award.

Yet Fenn was never one to focus on accolades; he simply believed in doing what was right.

Of all his accomplishments, none meant more to Fenn than the people he loved. His deepest and most enduring partnership was with his wife, Carol, with whom he shared 56 years of unwavering love, support, and companionship. Together they built a life anchored in faith, strengthened by loyalty, and enriched by laughter and mutual respect. A proud and devoted “girl dad,” Fenn was fully engaged in raising his three daughters—supportive, attentive, and their biggest cheerleader and listener. He had a playful sense of humor and a gift for storytelling, always ready with a joke or tale that could brighten an entire room. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Hess Pierce; and by his daughters Hallie Pierce Montague (Monty), Kara Pierce Haynes (Carlos), and Jordan Pierce Attl (Chris), who were the great joys of his life.

He was the cherished grandfather of Abby, Aidan, Coen, Lydia, and Banks, each of whom brought him deep pride and happiness.

He is also survived by his brother, David Pierce, and his sister, Lynnda Pierce Larson, who remained close to him throughout his life. His love and devotion extended to all his in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

In December 2013, Fenn was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He met the challenges of the years that followed with quiet resilience, leaning on the faith and steadiness that had always anchored him.

Fenn found beauty in simple, lasting things: the stillness of early mornings at the family’s Canadian lakehouse, the tug of a fishing line, the hum of bees he tended with care, and the comfort of a well-loved book. He also loved music—especially the artists of the 1950s and 1960s—and could never resist singing along. His adventures took him to places around the world, creating memories he carried close throughout his life. Wherever he went, he brought a warm curiosity, a quick wit, and an engaging presence that invited people in and made them feel truly seen.

Those who knew Fenn will remember his gentle spirit, his quiet wisdom, his steady humor, and the deep kindness that flowed naturally from him. His legacy is woven into the lives he touched, the community he strengthened, and the family he loved with his whole heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help advance research toward a cure for Parkinson’s disease. A celebration of Fenn’s life will be held at a later date.