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W.M. "Bud" Pierce years ago

William Milo "Bud" Pierce, 82, died Dec. 13, 2007, at Marion.

Born Dec. 21, 1924, at Marion, he was the son of Milo and Clara (Grimes) Pierce.

While in school he delivered the Wichita Eagle on bicycle. During his high school years, he shined shoes.

He graduated from Marion High School in 1942, then attended Emporia State Teachers College for one year.

He worked at Cessna in Wichita and the Rock Island Railroad before working for Air Transport Command, shipping military troops and supplies from Wichita. He later was transferred to Dallas, Texas.

In March 1946, he returned to Marion and purchased the Conoco service station, which he operated until 1965.

He then owned and operated Pierce Oil and Fertilizer Company until May 1992.

On June 2, 1946, he married Wilma Jean Knight at Marion.

He was a staunch promoter of the community, serving as president of the former Marion Athletic Association, president of Marion Chamber of Commerce, member of Marion Cemetery Board, and chairman of Marion Housing Authority.

He also served 17 years as a volunteer fireman for the City of Marion, nine years as City of Marion finance commissioner, and as a member of Marion County Planning Commission.

He was a dedicated member of Valley United Methodist Church, serving on various communities and holding many offices throughout the years.

Survivors include his wife, Jean of Marion; brother, Harry Pierce of Wichita; sister, Elaine Mauck of Manchester, Conn.; and a host of relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Valley United Methodist Church, Marion, with Pastor X. Phil Smith officiating.

A private inurnment will be held.

Memorial funds have been established with Valley United Methodist Church or Golden Living Center.

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