Albert Arnold Pearce

Albert Arnold Pearce, 84, of Norris City, Ill., passed away after an extended illness at his home on Tuesday, July 16, 2019.  Albert was born on March 25, 1935 near Omaha, the son of the late Charles Arnold and Clara L. (Trail) Pearce. He married the love of his life, Helen Kay Walker on September 7, 1957.  Helen preceded him in death on February 5, 2013.  He lived a very busy life and was active in his work, family, and his community.  Albert was a Korean War veteran serving as a U.S. Army Paratrooper.  During his junior year at SIU he was drafted into the army and in later years finished his degree in teaching.  Albert taught for five years at Eldorado Elementary School and at this time he learned how to fly an airplane at Raleigh Airport and received a pilot license.  He owned and operated the Pearce Farm Tiling and was a contractor for nearly sixty years and farmed for sixty years.  Albert was licensed to operate any water system in the state.  He served the community diligently for many years and had many tasks serving the Village of Omaha and Gallatin County.  Albert served on the Village board and as mayor for twenty years.  Also he served on the volunteer fire department as fireman, rescue chief and assistant fire chief.  He was a long time member of Gallatin County ESDA and the 911 board since the beginning of the program.  As a Army veteran he belonged to the American Legion Post #109 in Norris City.  Albert is survived by his loving family, two daughters, Linda and Mark Lemons of Omaha, Carol and John Deom of Enfield; two sons, Alan and Barb Pearce of Norris City, Mark and Candy Pearce of Bradenton Beach, Fla.; six grandchildren, Josh and Stephanie Lemons of Herrin, Matt Lemons of Denver, Colo., John Deom of Enfield, Alyssa Deom and fiancé  Joshua Ratajczyk of Enfield, Zack and Joplin Pearce of Norris City, Walker Pearce and fiancé Kourtney Abell of Ridgway; six great grandchildren, Marshall, Gavin, and Blake Lemons, Cayden Pearce, Jadelyn Pearce, and Natalie Ratajczyk.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his sister, Shirley Pearce.  Visitation for Albert will be held on Friday, July 19th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Omaha.  A private family service will be held at the funeral chapel on Saturday, July 20th  at 10 a.m. with burial at the Old Village Cemetery near Norris City.