Pierson G. "Pete" Block

Pierson G. “Pete” Block went to his reward September 6, 2010. He was born in Columbus, April 8, 1920 and graduated from South High School in June, 1938. After graduation, Pete worked at a large Ford dealership until he entered the military on March 9, 1942. He served overseas 45 months with the 7th Air Force as an assistant ordinance officer in the Central, South, and Western Pacific theaters of war. Upon his discharge in February 1946, he returned to the Ford dealership and was twice honored as a national dealership representative to Ford Motor Company seminars. Pete next put his skills and knowledge to work as an instructor at Columbus Technical Institute (now Columbus State Community College). He was highly regarded in the field of automotive engineering and retired after spending 60 years in the automobile business. Pete was very active in community organizations, serving as president of Westside Board of Trade, Hilltop Community Council, Westgate Kiwanis, and Westgate Recreation Center Advisory Board. He attained the rank of Captain in the Columbus Auxiliary Police Department. He joined the Ohio Military Reserve as a Captain and retired as a Colonel and Brigade Commander. Pete was a member of the University Lodge 631 F. & A. M. Chapter 155, Royal Arch Masons and Shriners Aladdin Temple for over 55 years. He was preceded in death by Virginia, his wife of 44 years; his parents, Verena and Leon Block; brother, S. Robert; sisters, Isabel Henderson and Marion (Timothy) Moriarty. Surviving family includes son, Pierson Jr. (Campobello, South Carolina); daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Phil Barker (Dublin, Ohio); grandson, James Moore (Columbus, Ohio); and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces. Pete lived in the Westgate area and faithfully attended Orient United Methodist Church where his friend, retired Colonel Dr. Gerald Koster, is minister. Pete firmly believed Columbus, Ohio is the best place to live. His family will receive friends 3-7 p.m. Thursday, September 9 with a Masonic Service at 6:30 p.m. and Funeral Service at 7 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER HILLTOP CHAPEL 3030 W. Broad St. Rev. Dr. Gerald Koster officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Orient United Methodist Church 5340 Mill St., Orient, Ohio 43146.