Loren Douglas Pierce

Loren Douglas Pierce, age 95, of Hughson, California, passed away suddenly on October 31st, 2024 at age 95. Loren was born to James Willey Pierce and Birdie May Pierce on November 30th, 1928 in San Jose, CA. He spent most of his early days in Campbell, CA. He graduated from Campbell High School in 1946. Loren excelled in sports, in tract, running hurdles, taking first place in 10 out of 12 races.

He then enlisted in the Army Air Force serving 3 years in comm. as a lineman as part of the occupational forces of Japan in WWII. He then spent 2 years helping to rebuild the Island of Guam. After his discharge, he returned to civilian life working in the steel yards and as a steam press operator manufacturing rubber products.

In 1951 he joined the Santa Clara Police Dept. as a full fledged police officer. Loren had a long career as an officer, serving as a Sargent, Lieutenant, Dept training officer, He was captain of the uniform division for 15 years and as Capt. of detectives for 5 years. In 1968 he was selected to attend the 81st session for the National FBI Academy in Washington D.C.

Loren attended San Jose State College and later received a lifetime teaching degree in the field of police science. He was instrumental in forming the first regional police academy in Santa Clara County. He became an FBI trained gunnery instructor and taught gunnery and other law enforcement subjects to his fellow officers and the basic academy at the Junior College level. Loren retired in 1985 after 35 years.

Loren loved flying. He started his flight training with his cousin Eunie in 1945 at age 15. He received his Private Pilots license at age 17. He took many girlfriends and others for their first airplane ride. He received his IFR rating in 1987. He and his wife had owned 6 different airplanes. Loren flew for 67 years until age 82.

Loren met the love of his life Charleen Marie Curci and after 5 months were married in Maui, Hawaii.

Loren is preceded in death by his parents James Wiley Pierce and Birdie May Pierce. Brother Lonnie Pierce, of Redding CA. Sisters Vivan and Margorie of Lodi CA.

Survivors include: Victoria Lynn Hall of Las Vegas; Alan Graig Pierce of Menlo Park, CA.,

Gregory Lon Pierce of Reno, NV., Grandchildren Jessica Hall, Keith Hall, Kevin Pierce and Claire Pierce; great-grandson Anthony McBride of Ceres, CA., nephew Larry Pierce of Grass Valley, CA., stepson Don McBride of Redding, CA.

Loren will be remembered as a loving, kind, compassionate person and for his love family.

Reception and services will be held at Lakewood Memorial Cemetery on Santa Fe Road in Hughson, CA 95326. Services will be held on Monday, November 18 at 11:00 AM in the Riverside Chapel.