Claude L. Pierson

Claude L. Pierson, 79, of New Philadelphia, went home to be with the Lord early Thursday morning, February 7, 2013 from the Cleveland Clinic following a sudden illness.

A son of the late Claude B. and Katherine (Jones) Pierson, Claude was born July 7, 1933 at Clay County, West Virginia.

Claude graduated from Clay High School. He then enlisted with the United States Air Force serving during the Korean Conflict. In Korea, he served aboard aircraft which transported wounded soldiers out of the area.

He was retired from Y & O Coal of Hopedale and was a faithful member of the Broadway United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia. Claude loved the youth of the church who affectionately referred to him as Popa.

Claude enjoyed sports and was an avid fan of Ohio State Football. He also enjoyed attending his grandson’s football games and would often find himself roaming the sidelines of his games. He also enjoyed baseball and was proud to have coached his son’s little league teams during his younger years. Most of all, Claude cherished his family and the time spent with them.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Walters) Pierson whom he married on February 27, 1991; his son, Randy (Risa) Pierson of New Philadelphia; three daughters, Terri (Mike) Johnson of Sherrodsville, Lisa (Steve) Smalley of Carrollton and Sharon Walters of Statesville, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Randy (Jessica) Pierson of Columbus, Erin (Phil) Clute of New Philadelphia, Logan Johnson of Sherrodsville, Michael Smalley of Akron and Khloe’ and Kaitlyn Rowe both of Statesville, North Carolina; two great grandchildren, Jacob Beavers and Harper Montgomery Pierson; a sister, Betty (J.D.) Harriman of Wintersville, Ohio and many nieces and nephews.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, June (Holderbaum) Pierson; two sisters, Dimple Flowers and Ruth Pierson and two brothers, Dencil and Boyd Pierson.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 2 p.m. in the Broadway United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia with Rev. Bill Sowers officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In keeping with Claude’s wishes, cremation will take place through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover and inurnment will be held in Sherrodsville Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Claude by visiting the funeral home website, www.geibcares.com.

Contributions may be made in Claude’s memory to the Youth Group at Broadway United Methodist Church, 120 Church Avenue SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.