Raymond Albert Pierce

Raymond (Ray) Albert Pierce, Sr., 83, passed peacefully in the presence of his wife and children at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI on March 14, 2019. He was born December 17, 1935 in Climax to the late Millard and Pauline (Pierce) Pierce. On March 22, 1963 he married Linda (Waldorf) and together they raised 4 wonderful children at their home in Galesburg, later moving to Climax, MI. After Linda's unexpected passing in 1993, Ray met and was united in marriage to Darlene (Stanfield) on May 9, 1997. Ray served as a U.S. Marine reservist before enlisting into the U.S. Army in July of 1959. He was honorably discharged in June of 1961. Ray was a member of the American Legion Post 465 for over 30 years, life member of the AMVETS post 1988 and volunteered on the Galesburg Fire Department for 29 years. Ray retired from General Motors in 1993, enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting and camping at the family property in Baldwin, MI.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 22 years, Darlene; siblings Marie Mahoney and Gertrude (Gert) Allen; children Scott LaChance of Galesburg, MI; Kelly Ludlow (Jim) of Tennessee; Raymond (Ray) Pierce Jr. (Yvonne) of Climax, MI; Troy Pierce (Denise) of Paw Paw, MI; Shannon Fullmer (Jeffrey) of Sandy, UT; Robert Baldwin (Cammy) of Battle Creek, MI and Darcie Siddall of Battle Creek, MI; grandchildren Dusty, Mya and Trenton LaChance; Rachel Chandler (Aaron), Jacob and Paige Ledlow; Marie Ludwig (Nick), Brittany Pierce, Kristen Schau (Chad); Lynze, Natalie, Alex and Zoe Pierce; Destinee Miller; Phillip (Danielle), Triton, Shane and Talon Baldwin; Calvin and Jake Siddall and 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and his beloved cat Cookie.

He was preceded in death by his wife Linda Pierce; siblings Jimmy Pierce, Faye Osborn, Betty Mohney, Richard (Dick) Pierce, Marjorie Steve, Leona Slaughter and Millard (Bud) Pierce.

A graveside service with military honors will take place Monday, March 25th, 1:00 pm at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend should arrive at the cemetery's funeral assembly area (cortege) between 12:45 pm - 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Life to follow at the American Legion Post 465 (6101 S 44th Street, Climax, MI). In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the American Legion Post 465. Arrangements are by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Climax Chapel, 205 East Maple St. Please visit Raymond's personalized webpage at www.langelands.com.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Borgess Hospital for their compassion and the extraordinary care of our loved one during his time of need.