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Ronald E. (Ron) Pierce
May 15, 1935 – December 4, 2016
Born: Nowata, Oklahoma
Ron was a member of First Baptist Church MH, and was born to Haskell Howard and Agnes Irene (Elgin) Pierce on May 15, 1935 in Nowata Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jan Pierce. Also 3 children and spouses, Rick Pierce (Linda), Holly Scott (Keith), and Dee Ezell (Dr. Scott). From this there are 8 grandchildren, Taylor Scott, Cole Ezell (Sally), Ryan Scott, Ryder Pierce (Dana), Jordan Carlisle (Austin), Aaron Scott, Aaron Cochran and Dylan Pierce. And 4 great grandchildren, Carter, Hunter, Emmett and Noah. Also adopted son Lang Quang Phuc (Phuong), and children John, Aimee, Stacy and Loc, and from them 13 great grandchildren. He is survived by one sister Donna Sue Hendricks (Benny) and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
His loves and hobbies were family, fishing, flying, baseball, public service and the outdoors. Ron became a pilot in the late 1950’s owning originally an Aeronica Chief, and many more to follow. Hobbies included in life order baseball, woodworking, archery, flying, golf, fishing, and the outdoors. He was a champion archer and noted recurve specialist in the 1950’s, manufacturing many bows and arrows.
His baseball love was fed by the NE Oklahoma tradition of his friends, roommates and legends. Playing for the Oklahoma Aggies (OSU) in college, also the many leagues including regional ball for the Phillips 66’ers.
Ron’s true career began as a Plastics Engineer at Phillips 66 Petroleum Company in Research and Development, opening their first PVC production plant in the United Sates, as Production Manager. This brought Ron and family to the Mountain Home area with Baxter Travenol Laboratories, drawn to its pristine beauty and the lure of Lake Norfork when crossing the 62 ferry. From there, on to ownership of the Dutchman Drive In restaurant from ‘69 to ’73, from founders Bill and Mary Dean. During his life he constructed 10 homes, many for family, including their own homes from 1962 through 2004.
His love of boats began in high school where he started building kit boats in shop class. From there to fishing through Jan’s father and on to begin Bass Cat Boats in 1971, along with Jan. Later acquiring Yar-Craft Boats, in December of 2011.
Public Service began as Mayor of Mountain Home from 1976 – 1985. Ron served on the Baxter County Airport Commission as Chairman. He then served a seven (7) year term as an Arkansas Game & Fish Commissioner (Huckabee appointee) serving as Chairman his final year. He worked diligently for the citizens and outdoors to oppose special interest.
Bass fishing was more than a career, as he also enjoyed the sport. Over the years he competed in hundreds of tournaments, including approximately 100 Bassmaster events all across the USA. In the late 80’s Ron began visiting Lake Fork and they built a second home where he and Jan have many friends. From coast to coast they are blessed with many friends and acquaintances, including the Bass Cat and Yar-Craft families.
He leaves this world a better place and that was his hope in life. Accomplishments he was most proud of, beyond those of their business(s) were the 1 cent MH Sales Tax which was restricted and allocated to construction of the present MH swimming pool, and anchored both the MH Street and Water & Sewer Departments. Then Cooper Park, Baxter County Regional Airport Terminal, AGFC vs. USACE Black River Supreme Court ruling, the many company, civil and state employees he was fortunate to have known in his lifetime. People meant a lot to him.
Arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will follow Sunday December 11th at First Baptist Church MH, 2:00 PM CDT.
