Roger Dean Pearson Sr.

Roger grew up in Kalkaska, Michigan. At the age of 18, he left home and moved to the Detroit area, where he began working for a friend’s Christmas tree stand. Soon afterward, Roger obtained a position with Continental Motors.

In 1963, Roger met Mary Aimee Daly, the woman who would become the love of his life. They were married on March 26, 1966, and shared 50 years of marriage together.

Roger proudly served in the United States Army as a Medical Corpsman during the Vietnam War era. In recognition of his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal and the United States Army Good Conduct Medal. After leaving the Army, Roger went to work for Chrysler, where he spent 32 years before retiring. The values of duty, service, perseverance, and care for others remained an important part of who Roger was throughout his life.

Roger had a lifelong love of bass fishing and spent many happy years pursuing the sport he enjoyed so much. He belonged to a local fishing club in the community where he lived and shared many fishing adventures with his dear friend, Dale Delay. Roger and Dale competed together in tournaments organized by the Guntersville Bass Club, building both memories and a lasting friendship along the way. Roger also participated for many years in the Bassmasters weekend tournament series, where his skill, patience, and competitive spirit earned him the distinction of Angler of the Year.

For Roger, fishing was more than a pastime—it was a source of friendship, challenge, fellowship, and countless treasured memories.

Roger was deeply devoted to his family. He believed in being present for the people he loved and made every effort to attend important family milestones. He was especially proud to be there for the college graduations of his daughter, Joanne, and his granddaughter, Catherine.

Some of Roger’s favorite activities also included sharing his love of fishing and playing chess with Catherine. He was a patient teacher and genuinely enjoyed sharing what he knew. Whether he was teaching her how to fish or explaining the strategy behind a chess move, Roger used those moments to pass along lessons that reached far beyond the activity itself.

He encouraged both Joanne and Catherine to think ahead, plan carefully, and always put forth their best effort. Much like a game of chess, Roger believed that life required foresight, patience, and thoughtful choices. Those lessons became part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Aimee (Daly) Pearson; his mother, June Gloria (Iler) Pearson Lee, and stepfather, Les Lee; his father, Franklin Jess Pearson, and stepmother, Mary L. Pearson; his brothers, Stan Pearson and Steven Pearson; and his nephew, Christopher Pearson, son of Steven Pearson.

He is survived by his daughter, Joanne Amy Pearson; his granddaughter, Catherine Cecilia Pearson; his son, Roger Dean Pearson Jr.; and his grandchildren, Emma Daly Pearson and William Rothgard Pearson.

Roger is also survived by the family of his late brother Stan Pearson: Stan’s wife, Jane Pearson; Rebecca Pearson, mother of Stan’s sons; Barry Neal Pearson and wife Carol; and Stanley Paul Pearson, wife Amy, and their children, Evan and Olivia.

He is further survived by the family of his late brother Steven Pearson: Steven’s daughters, Tressia (Pearson) Mooney and husband Mike, and their children, Nate Cook and wife Shannon, and Jade Tallman; and Tammy Pearson and her children.

Roger is also survived by his youngest brother, Leon Pearson, and wife Maxine, and their children: Kelly (Pearson) Brecken and husband Craig Brecken, and their children, Daniel and Jennifer; Ryan Pearson, wife Julie, and daughter Shelby; and Keri Pearson and her children, Spencer and Brody.

Roger’s life will be remembered through the love he gave, the lessons he taught, the family milestones he celebrated, and the steady encouragement he offered to those closest to him.

His family will remember him as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His influence will continue in the generations that follow through the wisdom, values, and memories he shared.

Like a carefully played chess game, Roger understood the importance of looking ahead, but he also understood that one of life’s greatest gifts is the people sitting beside you along the way.

His memory will live on in every lesson taught, every story shared, and every life he touched.