George Milton Pearce Jr.

George M. Pearce Jr., 90, surrounded by family on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, passed away peacefully following a brief illness at his home in Baton Rouge. Mr. Pearce was born in Alexandria on Oct. 5, 1920. He attended Rosenthal Grammar School and Bolton High School in Alexandria. He also attended LSU in Baton Rouge. He went on to join the Army Air Corps and serve during World War II. He attended the Army Air Corps Aircraft Maintenance School and the Army Air Corps Flight School. While serving in the South Pacific as a staff sergeant pilot, he earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Air Medals and two Presidential Unit Citations. Returning to Alexandria after his service in the military, Mr. Pearce worked for the Coca-Cola Co. and as a salesman for Walker Oldsmobile. Upon retirement, he and his wife Betty fulfilled their lifelong dream and built a new home on Toledo Bend Lake. Always involved, George was very active at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Zwolle. There he served as lector, maintenance assistant and Eucharistic minister. He was also a member of the liturgy committee and the parish council, where he was awarded the Diocesan Medal of Honor. After enjoying nearly 20 years at the lake, in 2003 they moved to Baton Rouge to be closer to their children. Mr. Pearce was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Mestayer; mother, Lonnie Hatfield Pearce; father, George M. Pearce Sr.; brother, Charles H. Pearce; and sister, Elaine P. Brunner. He is survived by six children, Betsy DiGruttolo and husband Rod, of Sarasota, Fla., Lou Munson and husband Bill, of Baton Rouge, George "Ged" Pearce and wife Carita, of Lafayette, Judy Jowers and husband Bob, and Jeannie Wright and husband Gene, all of Houston, and Kathie Baker and husband Rusty, of Lorena, Texas; 23 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral service and visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Tuesday, Feb. 1. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until funeral service at noon, followed by interment and then a reception at Greenoaks Life Celebration Reception Center. Pallbearers will be grandsons, John Lowman, Steve Lowman, Wesley Lowman, Eddie Pearce, Robert Pearce, Jonathan Pearce, Barrett Pearce, Rob Jowers, Bryan Jowers and Bradley Wright. In lieu of flowers, family and friends may make a donation to their favorite charity. Notes of condolence may be sent to the Pearce family at www.greenoaksfunerals.com.