Dr. John W. Pierce

Dr. John Wesley Pierce, 96, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully in Christ March 30, 2019. He was born January 30, 1923 in Nancy, Kentucky to his parents, Everett and Anita Pierce where he spent his youthful years up through high school. Following high school, he enrolled in the Spencerian Business College in Louisville, Kentucky. After being there a few months, World War!! Started at which time he left college and worked at the Baldwin Piano company in Cincinnati, Ohio installing the wire strings on upright pianos until he was drafted into World War II at Fort Thomas, Kentucky. After spending basic training in Texas, John was sent to Fort Kamahameha, at the entrance to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for the duration of the war. After almost three years there, he lost most of his hearing being in a towere near 16 inch mortar guns. Upon discharge from the Army in December of 1945, he enrolled at the Lindsey Wilson College in January of 1946 studying Premed. John then entered Western Kentucky University studying Biological Sciences and following graduation he accepted a job at his Alma Mater, Nancy High School, teaching English, Mathematics and Coaching Basketball since he had been a high school, Army and Lindsey Wilson College basketball player. At Lindsey Wilson, John served as President of the Student Body his entire stay and was selected as Mr. Freshman and Mr. Sophomore, King of their May Festival, selected Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. At Nancy High School as a teacher, he organized a Boy Scout Troop of America and served as their Scout Master for three years. With a continuation of his hearing loss, John was uncertain about continuing his pursuit of a Medical Degree. John left Kentucky in May 1941, and enrolled in Lincoln Chiropractic College, Indianapolis, and after receiving his Dr.’s Degree in 1955 at graduation he received an Honorary Achievement plaque from the faculty as the Outstanding Graduate of his class for Outstanding Collegiate Activity and Professional Integrity. He accepted a position on the faculty as a professor of Bacteriology, Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology. He continued studying medical courses at different colleges in summer time and evening school. In 1957, John met Jeanette Horton, a beautiful, young, intelligent lady who after one year became his wife. She was a great inspiration for him, accepting and encouraging him in many different fields of study. After graduating from a Business College in Kokomo, Indiana, Jeanette accepted a job with AT&T and worked for them for several years. Her hobbies were flowers and sewing. Dr. Pierce served as President of Lincoln College for a short time before his retirement from the college. After traveling in 11 foreign countries, John settled down at home and studied Theology with the American Baptist of Indiana. After receiving his sixth college degree, he taught Bible classes, and conducted worship services in nursing homes, assisted living homes and served every capacity in his own churches. He took lessons in many different areas through life. John was self taught and played the organ for 40 years; took banjo lessons for one year and guitar lessons for one year. Having studied Meteorology at Western Kentucky University, he worked as a Weather Observer for Channel 8 News for four years reporting Castleton, Indiana weather to Randy Ollis of Channel 8 who repeated it over the air. Shortly after receiving his doctorate degree, he gave health reports by way of a local radio station near his residence for about one year. Other hobbies of John’s was making ceramic figures and hooking small rugs. Some of his ceramics were international winners. Dr. Pierce completed writing his Memoir Book five years ago and upon request of two national museums, he sent a copy of his book to the National Museum of Zollie Coffer Park and the Museum of Mill Springs; both established during the Civil War between the United States North and South. Both of these museums are located at Nancy, Kentucky, Dr. Pierce’s birth place. He received his MA Degree at Ball State University in 1969. During the debates between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton for President of the United States, Dr. Pierce served President Trump in an advisory capacity. Since the President’s election, Dr. Pierce served on President Trump’s Advisory Board. Preceding Dr. Pierce in death were his oldest brother, Lewel; his two older sisters, Dorothy Hughes (Harold) and Marie Ferrell (Sam); his older brother, Winford (Opal Green); his younger brother, Lawrence (Louise Helton); and youngest brother, Noel (Jean); and youngest sister, Maxine Howard. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 2, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Road, Fishers, with funeral services there Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to East 91st Street Christian Church, 6049 East 91st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

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Dr. John W. Pierce

January 30, 1923 - March 30, 2019