Maurice "Mo" Pearson

Affectionately known by most as "Mo", Maurice lived a life filled with hard work, family, friendship, and the simple pleasures of good company. Whether sharing stories around a card table, taking a turn on the dance floor, or catching up with his favorite restaurant staff, Mo found joy in connecting with people.

Born on November 15, 1933, in Lakeland, Florida, Mo was the fourth of five children born to Victor Monroe Pearson and Audrey Cooper Pearson. He grew up in Daytona Beach, where he began working after school and on Saturdays at his parents’ grocery store. Those early responsibilities laid the foundation for a work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life. Still, there was room for a little mischief: he recalled that the biggest trouble he ever got into as a boy was skipping school to attend the races at Daytona.

Mo attended Mainland High School, where he played football and graduated in 1952. His education also included a year of college. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, beginning eight years of service that included time in Germany working as the supply officer. He attained the rank of sergeant, and his final duty assignment was as a squad leader with the 18th Infantry Regiment. Following his honorable discharge, he transferred to the Army Reserve.

On March 3, 1957, Mo married Helen Alice Summerlin in Daytona Beach. Together, they had three children: Sharon, Mike, and David.

Following his military service, Mo built a career in finance, serving as a vice president and area manager for Household Finance Corporation. He later spent ten years with the United States Senate Federal Credit Union, where he rose to the level of vice president in the loan department before retiring in the early 1990s.

While raising his family in Beltsville, Maryland, Mo made time for the activities and traditions that would become treasured memories. Summers often meant returning to Daytona Beach to visit relatives, though in 1967 the family ventured farther north to Montreal for the World’s Fair.

Some Saturday mornings brought trips to Skyline Drive in the Appalachian Mountains, where breakfast cooked over an open fire was followed by a walk along a trail.

At home, Mo enjoyed fishing, cleaning his catch in the carport before putting it on the grill. He made homemade ice cream, played pinochle with friends from church, and had a knack for fixing things. His church was an important part of his life. He served as a deacon for several years and, for a time, was involved in a company that built church buildings.

While working at the credit union, Mo met Irma, who would become his second wife. They married on August 12, 1990, in Worland, Wyoming, and made their home in Fort Collins, Colorado, following their retirements. In 2000, they moved to the Sun River retirement community in St. George, Utah, where they enjoyed a beautiful home on the golf course and an active life together.

Mo and Irma loved St. George. They were avid golfers, familiar faces at community gatherings, and known for their dancing. Those years were filled with friendship, activity, and the pleasure of sharing the life they had built together. In 2021, they returned to Fort Collins to be closer to family.

During the last two years of his life, Mo lived at Affinity Retirement Community in Loveland, Colorado. He cared deeply for the staff and his fellow residents, and he became a familiar and much-loved presence. He visited with neighbors each day, told stories, and proudly shared news about his family. He looked forward to weekly games of poker and pinochle, enjoyed working out with the guys, and never missed a dance or birthday party. He also loved taking daily drives to look for wildlife, especially elk, deer, and turkeys, often bringing friends from Affinity along to share the experience.

Mo also loved going out to eat, especially at Applebee’s, where getting to know the waitstaff and sharing a story were as much a part of the visit as the meal. He cherished the friendships he built there and always spoke fondly of the staff. Country music remained a lifelong favorite, and good conversation was always welcome.

Mo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Irma; his parents; his siblings, James “Everette,” Elvin, Paul, and Alice and his granddaughter Sarah. He is survived by his children, Sharon Roberts (Jim), Mike Pearson (Angel), and David Pearson (Kim); 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Mo will be remembered in the stories his family shares, the traditions he helped create, and the friendships he made wherever he called home. His life reminds those who loved him how much meaning can be found in everyday moments: a family breakfast, a hand of cards, a favorite song, and time spent together.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 11am at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins, Colorado. Those that may not be able to attend in person can join virtually via livestream here: client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26095473856615

Treasured memories of Mo and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.