D. Gene Pearcey

Gene Pearcey, born December 16, 1958 in Goldendale, WA to Carrol Clingan and Luawana (Busby) Pearcey, died peacefully in his home on July 17, 2013, with his wife, Irene, by his side. A memorial service will be held at the Yakima Arboretum on Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 at 10:00 am. A Celebration of Life Reception will immediately follow the Memorial Service at the Yakima Arboretum.

Gene was a 17-year employee of the ACE Hardware Retail Service Center in Moxee, WA and was a well-respected patriot and soldier. He served 27 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Staff Sergeant, spending a majority of his service with the 737th Transportation Company in Yakima. Gene’s extensive service includes overseas and combat service in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Bosnia. He earned several decorations and awards for his service including the Army Commendation Medal (2x), Army Achievement Medal (2x), National Defense Service Medal (3x), Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star and Global War on Terrorism Combat Action Badge/Iraq Campaign Medal.

He married Irene Simon on September 16, 1984 in Yakima, WA. He had a passion for the martial arts and was a long-time student and instructor at the Yakima School of Karate, where he was a 3rd degree Black Belt. Gene was an avid reader and student of history, and also enjoyed drawing, listening to music and working in his yard.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Irene Simon-Pearcey; parents Carrol and Patricia Clingan of Lathrop, MO and Luawana (Busby) Pearcey of Yakima, WA; brothers Malcolm, Eugene, Scott (Leslie), and sister Dianna (Doug); sons Richard F. Neilsen, (Lauren) of Camp Lejeune, NC; Daniel Neilsen (Tanya) of Maple Valley, WA; and six grandchildren: Danielle, Brendan and Samantha of Maple Valley, WA; and Kinley, Ashlyn and Brogan of Camp Lejeune, NC.

Gene’s echoing laugh, quick wit, humor and insight on history will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made at any Banner Bank to support the Yakima School of Karate Scholarship Fund and Always Brothers’ efforts to support ONE MIND for Research.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Keith and Keith Funeral Home. To share a memory of Gene go to www.keithandkeith.com