Michael "Mike" Neal Pearce

Michael Neal "Mike" Pearce, 59, of Mt. Gilead, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2016 at The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus. Born June 6, 1956 in Lodi, Ohio, he was the son of Richard N. Pearce and Velma (Read) Chandler.

He was a 1974 graduate of Hillsdale High School. Mike was employed by CSX for 40 years as a signal maintainer which he loved and considered his co-workers as his second family. A good hearted guy, he was always trying to make others smile and laugh. He was an easy person to talk to and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and attending funny car races.

He is survived by his wife, Lynne (Granneman) Pearce of Ashland; a daughter, Mandy (Wendy Webb) Pearce of Concord, North Carolina; two step daughters, Cherry Hively of Florida and Beverly (Kenny) Steagall of Shelby; a step son, Jesse Hively of Mansfield; his mother, Velma Chandler of Ashland; five grandchildren; two brothers, Ray (Pam) Pearce of Savannah and Kevin (Rhonda) Chandler of Ashland; several nieces and nephews; and his work family at CSX.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Pearce; his step father, Kenneth Chandler; and a sister, Rebecca Sue Pearce.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2016 at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 308 Claremont Avenue, Ashland. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2016 at the funeral home.