MARICOPA - Donald "Don" Pearce, 92, a founder of the Maricopa Volunteer Fire Department and longtime chief, died on May 29, 2018.Mr. Pearce was born on May 13, 1926, to Theodore and Katherine Pearce in Alfalfa, Oklahoma. He lived in Eloy for 22 years and then Maricopa for his remaining 59 years. He and his wife owned NAPA Valley Auto Parts for 47 years.He enjoyed fishing, hunting, baseball and car racing. A lifetime Rotarian and Maricopa Library member, he also served as Maricopa Water Company board chairman, Maricopa Pool Board member and a member of the Maricopa Historical Society.Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Esta Ray; five daughters, Linda Christian of Chandler, Gwyn Mikosz of Chandler, Donna Johnson of Casa Grande, Tammi Pearce of Chandler and Lana Williford of Maricopa; two siblings, June Bradley of Project City, California, and Dan Pearce of Friant, California; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and JD Pearce, and a sister, Joy Ann Pearce.Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 4, at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in Casa Grande. Funeral there at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 5. Graveside service at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6, in Heritage Valley Memorial Park in Coolidge.
